Hospital overcrowding is an ever-present challenge to the healthcare system, straining resources and compromising patient care. It can also lead to burnout among medical staff and result in decreased efficiency. A recent study found that hospitals whose executive leadership is engaged in combating overcrowding are able to implement effective strategies for alleviating the issue.
The study found that high-performing hospitals deploy multiple strategies, ranging from implementing full capacity protocols to redefining emergency department (ED) metrics and leveraging predictive analytics. The highest performers use data to adjust ED operations in real time and are able to quickly respond to changes in demand. In addition, these hospitals hold their staff accountable for addressing issues and for delivering quality care.
Overcrowded EDs are associated with increased wait times and lower patient satisfaction. They also increase the risk of medical errors and omissions, particularly when a physician or nurse is forced to focus on a patient with limited resources. A well-documented issue is access block, which occurs when admitted patients remain in the ED for over 8 hours, waiting to be transferred into a ward bed. This is a significant output factor and an important contributor to ED overcrowding.
Another significant issue is boarding, which is when patients are moved out of the ED and into a medical or surgical ward but still require ongoing ambulatory medical care. These patients are less likely to be assessed early for signs of deterioration and may not receive the necessary treatments, leading to potentially serious complications.