Extended hours in primary care linked to reductions in minor A&E attendances

Extended hours in primary care linked to reductions in minor A&E attendances This briefing summarises the findings of a study that found that practices that offered additional appointments showed a reduction in the number of their patients attending emergency departments for minor conditions but that there was no overall reduction in emergency visits. Costs were reduced for emergency departments but by less than the cost of the additional appointments. These findings suggest additional appointments may help reduce minor A&E visits but may be more costly overall. National Institute for Health Research