Annotation

The development of primary healthcare (PHC) includes establishing emergency medical care units within polyclinics to address less urgent medical situations effectively. When calls are received at the ambulance station, dispatchers categorize them into four urgency levels. The fourth category, encompassing acute conditions and exacerbations of chronic diseases without immediate life-threatening risks, is managed by polyclinic emergency departments.

Purpose: to analyze the organization and performance of emergency medical care at the PHC level in Aktobe.

Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the emergency medical service operations at City Polyclinic No. 1 in Aktobe from 2019 to 2023.

Results. The number of fourth-category calls increased annually, from 15,231 in 2019 to 19,183 in 2023, reflecting a 1.2-fold rise. Delayed calls also surged from 412 in 2019 to 1,146 in 2023, a 2.7-fold increase. However, hospitalizations decreased by 17.4%, from 1,953 in 2019 to 1,614 in 2023. Respiratory diseases accounted for the highest number of calls (5,008), followed by circulatory system diseases (3,818), digestive system diseases (2,609), and nervous system diseases (1,353). Adults over 18 years constituted approximately 68% of the total calls. Most calls occurred during the polyclinic's working hours, emphasizing the need for optimal resource allocation during these times.

Conclusion. The prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly of the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems, has contributed to the rising demand for fourth-category emergency care. Delays in service are primarily attributed to a shortage of vehicles. To address these challenges, optimizing the operations of general practitioners and emergency departments is crucial. Additionally, increasing public awareness about the emergency services offered by polyclinics could enhance service efficiency.
Keywords: primary healthcare, emergency department, ambulance service, chronic diseases