**3. Results**

The results include aspects (mainly LOS, TTP and laboratory analysis) of patients visiting the UCC versus visiting the ED, a Wilcoxon signed-rank test of LOS, TTP and laboratory analysis and the cost in Euros/average attendee at the UCC versus the ED.

Several di fferences appeared when comparing the first and second half of the sample (treated by the ED versus treated by the UCC). From arrival to discharge, the UCC patients spent an average of 2.11 h less at the hospital than the ED patients. TTP was thus 1.57 h less at the UCC than at the ED. There was also a reduction in terms of laboratory analysis at the UCC compared to the ED. Even though the numbers of radiology, findings, referrals, revisits and hospitalisations were minor (26 and below), the sample visiting the UCC appeared to be almost similar to the one visiting the ED (Table 2).


**Table 2.** Aspects studied of patients visiting the UCC versus patients visiting the ED (N = 200).

LOS, TTP and laboratory analyses were selected for the Wilcoxon rank test, confirming both LOS and TTP to be significantly more time consuming at the ED than at the UCC. A similar result emerged with regard to laboratory analysis.

Total cost of attendees at the UCC and the ED di ffered. The cost of UCC attendees was less than the cost of ED attendees (Table 4). (Table 3).

On average, an UCC attendee was 67–210 Euros cheaper. One reason for the di fference was fewer medical services, i.e., radiology and laboratory than at the ED. The total cost of medical services at the UCC for the population studied was an average of 37.28 Euros less than at the ED (radiology = 16.62, laboratory = 20.66) (Table 4).



**Table 4.** Cost in Euros/average attendee at the UCC and the ED distributed in total cost, radiology cost and laboratory cost.

