Flow pattern of Emergency Department visits during Ramadan: A single-center experience for 3 years in Muslim-Majority Country

Abstract

Objective: Emergency department (ED) facilities across the globe consider the delivery of high-quality, timely patient care is their main concern. Mistakes and malpractices could occur in poorly planned and unorganized ED facilities. Countries with Muslim majorities experience major shifts in ED patterns and social habits during the month of Ramadan. Our aim is to analyze the changes in flow patterns during three different periods and exploit ED triage and characteristics data, as well as the streaming of the time and date of all visits. Methods: A three-year retrospective study was conducted after retrieving and analyzing the emergency department health information system records at a tertiary care center that is publicly operated, funded, and owned, and that serves the entire community. Following the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a thorough review of the study included a total of 33,142 patients. Results: A total of 11,106 visits were included throughout the month of Ramadan in the three-year interval. A deep decrease was noted during the periods of 6:59 PM and 7:59 PM, which represented a period of Iftar (breakfast) during Ramadan, with an average of 81 and 77 visits, followed by a significant increase in the period from 8:59 PM. Conclusion: Ramadan is characterized by a variety of practices and societal norms. It has a profound Influence on the healthcare system, particularly evident in the increased utilization of ED visits. Redistributing resources and human power is highly recommended to adapt to such changes.