Emergency Physicians Sound the Alarm: Boarding in the Emergency Department is a National Crisis
WASHINGTON DC, Nov. 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
As emergency departments get inundated by the “triple threat” of flu, COVID-19, and pediatric respiratory illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), emergency physicians are leading the call to address the widespread challenge of patient “boarding”—where admitted patients wait for an inpatient bed or appropriate care transfer—which in turn leads to overcrowding, delays in care, and compromised patient outcomes.
Emergency Departments Overwhelmed by Flu, COVID-19, and RSV
The convergence of flu season, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the resurgence of pediatric respiratory illnesses like RSV has placed a significant strain on emergency departments across the country. With hospitals facing capacity issues and staffing shortages, emergency physicians are struggling to keep up with the rising number of patients seeking care.
Patients presenting with flu-like symptoms or COVID-19 require isolation and specialized care, further exacerbating the strain on already overwhelmed emergency departments. The influx of pediatric patients with RSV adds another layer of complexity, as young children often require intensive monitoring and respiratory support.
The Impact of Patient Boarding
As emergency departments become increasingly crowded with patients awaiting admission, the practice of patient boarding has become a serious concern for emergency physicians. Boarding not only delays access to inpatient care but also compromises patient safety and outcomes.
Prolonged waits in the emergency department can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, as patients are not receiving timely and appropriate treatment. The lack of available inpatient beds can result in patients being placed in inappropriate care settings, further endangering their health.
Addressing the National Crisis
Emergency physicians are calling for immediate action to address the national crisis of patient boarding in the emergency department. Solutions include increasing hospital capacity, improving care coordination between emergency departments and inpatient units, and implementing protocols to expedite patient transfers.
By addressing the root causes of patient boarding, hospitals can alleviate the strain on emergency departments, improve patient outcomes, and ensure timely access to care for all patients.
How This Will Affect Me
As a patient, the national crisis of patient boarding in the emergency department may impact you by causing delays in receiving care, increased risk of complications due to prolonged waits, and potential placement in inappropriate care settings. It is important to advocate for timely access to care and ensure that hospitals are addressing the issue of patient boarding to safeguard your health and well-being.
How This Will Affect the World
The national crisis of patient boarding in the emergency department has far-reaching implications for the world. Overcrowded emergency departments and delays in care can strain healthcare systems, compromise patient outcomes, and ultimately impact public health. By addressing this crisis on a national level, we can improve healthcare delivery, enhance patient safety, and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals.
Conclusion
Emergency physicians are sounding the alarm on the national crisis of patient boarding in the emergency department, calling for urgent action to address this widespread challenge. By implementing solutions to alleviate patient boarding, hospitals can improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery, and ensure timely access to care for all individuals. It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being of patients and work towards creating a healthcare system that is efficient, effective, and equitable for all.
