· After A review of the current literature regarding the challenges faced by many hospital systems as a result of emergency department overcrowding, a qualitative study of by means of a written questionnaire to determine factors or potential factors that influence a health care consumers decision to access care at an emergency room. As the population ages emergency departments will continue to experience overcrowding from many factors, among them overutilization due patients seeking non-urgent care. Increased use of emergency departments In terms of financial viability it will be essential to understand factors affecting how patients perceive their medical condition, and further the accessibility to the appropriate level of care. The purpose of this study is to determine and evaluate the factors that contribute to the overutilization of emergency departments for non-urgent needs. The study is targeted to patients in a rural North Carolina county with approximately 26,000 residents. Study participants will be those seen in the local emergency department that averages 1300 visits per month. Each participant will be required to complete a consent form and provide demographic data. Organizational approval for this study will be obtained at the facility level from the Assistant Vice President for the facility. Additionally. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) consent must be obtained. During the data collection process, the surveyor will approach each participant separately and seek their consent for participation in the survey. During this encounter, the survey will collect the appropriate demographic information. Participant's names will not be disclosed in an attempt to preserve their anonymity Introduction: My name is Teresa Cochran. I am a Director of Nursing and also a graduate student seeking a Master’s in Business Administration. I am currently completing a survey of factors that contribute to patient’s utilization of Emergency Services and I would like to ask you a few questions. Questionnaire I. 1. What is the reason for your visit to the Emergency Department today? a. Chest pain b. Accident c. Respiratory distress d. Diarrhea/vomiting e. Other _____________________________________ 2. How many times per year do you come to the Emergency Department? a. 0-2 b. 3-5 c. 6-8 d. >9 3. What, if any of the following factors may influence your decision to come to the Emergency Department: a. No available appointment at primary care b. Second opinion c. Receive better care in ED than at doctor’s office d. No transportation e. Convenience f. Other___________ 4. Do you have a doctor you see on a regular basis? a. Yes b. No 5. How many times do see your doctor per year? 6. 0-2 7. 3-5 8. 6-8 9. > 9 10. Before you came to the ED did you call your primary care physician? Why or Why not? 11. What prevents you from getting health care at your primary care provider? 12. What is your age? Gender? 13. Employment statu.