Managing emergency department overload

Patient flow is a critical issue in many hospitals and health care institutions across the country. Nowhere are the problems of patient overcrowding, lack of coordination of care, and inefficient utilization of resources more apparent than in an overcrowded, overutilized, and inappropriately staffed emergency department (ED). The challenges of overcrowded EDs and an archaic patient flow and admission processes result in excessively long waits for all patients, including both those treated and released and admitted. Such problems lead to increased costs and lost revenue. They also increase the risk of unsafe care and poor quality of services, especially in relation to the patient experience that in itself jeopardizes compliance with health care accreditation standards.