Patient perceptions of emergency department versus GP visits and of GPFirst: a qualitative study

Abstract Introduction: Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) has long been a concern, contributing to adverse outcomes. To address inappropriate attendances, Changi General Hospital (CGH) introduced GPFirst, a programme that encourages patients with mild conditions to visit general practitioners (GPs) first. This study explored patients’ perspectives on ED versus GP visits and their views on GPFirst to guide programme improvement.