Health-seeking behaviour of foreign workers in Singapore: Insights from emergency department visits.
10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.2020484
- Author:
Joanna S E CHAN
1
;
Dennis W J CHIA
;
Ying HAO
;
Sherman W Q LIAN
;
Mui Teng CHUA
;
Marcus E H ONG
Author Information
1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
2021;50(4):315-324
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION:Foreign workers (FWs) on work permit face unique health challenges and potential barriers to healthcare. We aimed to examine the epidemiology, attendance patterns, disposition, and adherence to follow-up, by FWs on work permit to two emergency departments (EDs) in Singapore.
METHODS:In this retrospective observational study, we included consecutive FWs on work permit who registered at the EDs of two public restructured hospitals from 1 May 2016 to 31 October 2016. Data obtained from electronic medical records included patient demographics, triage acuity, disposition, ED diagnoses and bill information.
RESULTS:There were 6,429 individual FWs on work permit who contributed to 7,157 ED visits over the 6-month study period, with male predominance (72.7%, 4672/6429), and median age of 31 (interquartile range 26 to 38) years. A high proportion of these FWs were triaged to low-acuity status compared to the general ED population (66.9% versus 45.9%,
CONCLUSION:In Singapore, the EDs of public restructured hospitals provide healthcare safety nets to FWs on work permit. These workers made more low-acuity visits compared to the general population during the study period and may face potential barriers to admission and follow-up.
