Why would you use an emergency department?

Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They aren’t a first-come first-served operation; they exist to help the most critically ill or injured patients as quickly as possible. You will be seen eventually, but you may have to wait a while. This can be frustrating for you – and for the doctors and nurses who really do want to help. Sometimes there are other options – but they are useless unless you know about them!

Our goal with this quick survey is NOT to discourage those in serious need from using emergency departments; rather we aim to learn more about when and why Vancouver Coastal Health residents like you go to the emergency department. We want to see if there are any information gaps we can fill about additional health care options in the communities we serve.

Please answer the six questions below. It should only take a few minutes.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts!

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* 1. What city or community do you live in?

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* 2. Have you been to a hospital emergency room for care in the past year?

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* 3. If yes, did you feel like you really needed emergency care?

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* 4. What made you choose an emergency room? (Check all that apply)

I have no family doctor.

There was nothing else open.

I didn’t know what else to do.

I called 811 and was told to go to an emergency room.

I checked the VCH emergency room wait times web site and the waits looked reasonable.

I think emergency departments provide the best care.

Other (please specify)

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* 5. What do you consider a health emergency? (Check all that apply)

Chest pain, Shortness of breath

Broken bones

Any cuts needing stitches

Symptoms related to substance use or withdrawal

Severe headache or dizziness

Anxiety, depression or mental health challenges

General, unexplained aches and pains

Colds and flu

Fever

Nausea and/or vomiting

Any kind of severe pain

Prescription medication refills

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Generally, where do you go for health service information? (Check all that apply)

Search the internet

Ask a friend or family member

Talk to my family doctor

Go to a walk-in clinic

Call 811 (BC Nurseline)

Follow up on services advertised at community centres and clinics

Other (please specify)