Emergency department (ED) presentations are common for people in their last year of life; but this study aims to characterize when Community-based Palliative Care (CBPC) patients present to the ED.

A retrospective, cross-sectional study of CBPC presentations to the ED over 12 months.Eligible participants were all regional CBPC patients who attended the index Australian ED for 1 year. Data acquired included demographics, presentation details, documented communication, and ED discharge information.

235 CBPC patients presented to the index ED at least once (427 presentations), constituting 1.23% of all adult ED presentations. The median age was 75 years, 82.6% had a primary diagnosis of cancer. The most common ED discharge diagnoses were symptom-related and respiratory disease. 70.3% were admitted. Communication between ED and palliative care services was documented in 18.9% of presentations. Communication was more likely in patients who were admitted, in work hours or those with cancer diagnosis.

CBPC patients presented to the ED with a high admission rate which may indicate appropriate ED presentations. Coordinated care through communication was evident in minority of cases. Studies to explore the complex palliative care needs of patients presenting to ED and barriers to integrated care between services are vital to providing optimal care.