Análisis de las consultas de peregrinos al servicio de urgencias de un hospital en el Camino de Santiago.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the emergency consultations made by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago to the Emergency Service (SU) of the El Bierzo de Ponferrada hospital, located on the path of the so-called French road. Methodology: We registered the study variables of those patients who consulted the Emergency Service of the El Bierzo de Ponferrada hospital, between May 15 and September 15, 2016 and who claimed to be pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis was made. Results: The traumatic consultations had an incidence of 57.1% and medical causes 42.9%. The most frequent diagnoses were ankle sprain and acute gastroenteritis respectively. 43.8% of the patients required some procedure, and 127 diagnostic tests were performed. The 8.93% had to be admitted for hospital treatment. Conclusions: The completion of the Camino de Santiago brings together a varied population. Despite being a physical activity, those who perform it, can present traumatic events, but also organic pathologies. These situations cause consultations to the emergency devices located on the route. It would be interesting to determine in future studies, the impact that these consultations condition in terms of the use of technical and human resources in these devices.