Effectiveness of Outpatient Follow-Up in Reducing Emergency Department Use and Readmission after Trauma

After traumatic injury, a study found that outpatient follow-up did not significantly decrease emergency department visits or readmission rates. Factors associated with increased emergency department use included non-white race, depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, discharge disposition, and being discharged with lines or drains. Future research should focus on supporting trauma patients with mental health comorbidities and developing interventions for optimal post-discharge engagement.