Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Carilyn Ellis, PsyD
Second Advisor
Frank Ehrmantraut, MPA
Third Advisor
Kenneth Logan, PsyD
Abstract
Although many studies have illustrated healthcare disparities related to patient demographic factors in emergency medical response, few studies have examined how differences in care may be related to a patient’s identity as a high-frequency utilizer of emergency medical services (EMS). The Superuser population (higher than average utilizers of EMS) has been examined for characteristics and costs to society, but it is unknown if they receive a different type or quality of care compared to the low-frequency utilizer population. The goal of this study is to examine the EMS care that Superusers receive and possible factors that may contribute to the quality. This study used archival data from every EMS patient encounter over one year in an ambulance region in the United States. The selected sample (n = 165) consists of individuals ages 0 to 102 years old. The sample participants’ encounters (n = 696) were examined and evaluated based on user type, frequency of encounter, consistency of primary impression, and match between the provider’s primary impression and the patient’s chief complaint to determine quality-of-care outcomes (complete vital signs, time spent with patient, and level of service provided). Multivariate statistics were conducted to examine the relationship between the characteristics and quality-of-care outcomes. No differences were found regarding vital signs, but evaluations suggest differences in time spent with patients based on Superuser status, frequency of use, and instances of matches between primary impression and chief complaint. Additionally, there were differences in the level of service provided based on frequency of encounters, consistency of impression, and match of primary impressions and chief complaints. These results are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Krysl Cleveringa, Sarah, "Disparities in Emergency Medical Services: Examining Care Gaps for the High-Frequency User Population" (2026). Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). 627.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/psyd/627