Emergency Department Utilization
Why we track this indicator
Child emergency department visits can be an indicator of a child's safety being in jeopardy. In addition, it can indicate difficulty accessing medical care, possibly due to financial stress.
Emergency Department Utilization Data Breakdown
Status: Red
Definition: Any child or youth, 18 and under, that receives emergency department (ED) services each month at Goshen Health Systems and Beacon Health System in an unduplicated count. This information is obtained through a collaborating partner.
Source: Goshen Health and Beacon Health System
Last Updated: January 2025
Mitigating Factors: None Reported
Methodology
Methodology: Total number of pediatric visits quarter is compared to previous quarter.
Goal: To observe fewer ER visits when compared to the previous quarter.
Traffic Light:
Green: at least 1% lower compared to previous quarter
Gray: within +/- 1% of compared to previous quarter
Red: at least 1% higher compared to previous quarter
Supporting Research
Emergency Department Use by Children and Youth with Mental Health Conditions: A Health Equity Agenda
There are growing concerns regarding the referral of children and youth with mental health conditions to emergency departments (EDs).
Why Do Parents Bring Their Children to the Emergency Department?
This study examined the motives behind parents' decisions to take their children to a pediatric emergency department.
Family Factors and Repeat Pediatric ER visits for Mental Health
Family circumstances could impact the number of times youth seek Emergency Services.
Implementing a Social Determinants Screening and Referral Infrastructure During Routine ER Visits
Study exploring methods to screen for unmet needs during Emergency Room visits.
A profile of non-urgent emergency department usage in an urban pediatric hospital
Study exploring parents and caregivers who bring their children to the emergency department for non-urgent issues as well as exploring the reasons for presenting to an urban hospital pediatric emergency department for non-urgent conditions.
Related Indicators
Click to see more data trends related to Emergency Department Usage
Beacon Health
At Beacon Health System, it’s our unwavering commitment to the health of the people we care for and the wellbeing of the community you call home.
Goshen Health
The mission of Goshen Health is to improve the health of our communities by providing innovative, outstanding care and services through exceptional people doing exceptional work.
Indicators in Action
The ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program will provide low barrier grants to collaborating partners which will help increase cross-system collaboration and facilitate the community response to needs and/or gaps identified through the Elkhart County Child Dashboard. Applicants may request up to $2,000. Two or more applicants can collaborate for collaborative action based upon one or more data indicators and increase the grant request. By leveraging the ‘Data Action Mini Grant’ program partners can have a platform that helps to inform community goals and creates a stronger sustainability platform for their programs.
For a copy of the 1-page proposal template click here or email David Wiegner.