Evaluating the impact of a medical telephone helpline and the use of a structured initial assessment on demand for acute and emergency care in Germany: an ecological study using secondary data

Our findings indicate a trend suggesting that implementation of a 24/7 medical helpline may reduce the demand for acute and emergency care at EDs and OOH services, although clear evidence is lacking. The impact of SmED use remains inconclusive. Further research should ideally incorporate data linkage and controls and assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the triage process, as well as the quality of subsequent care at the individual level.