Patient Stuck in Limbo: Emergency Department Boarding Crisis-Patient Stuck in Limbo

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this webinar, Zinkana Desai discusses the emergency department (ED) boarding crisis, where patients face extended wait times in EDs before being admitted to hospitals. The issue is framed not solely as an ED problem but as a broader patient flow and management challenge across hospitals. Desai cites data showing that ED boarding times have risen significantly, impacting patient care and staff well-being due to overcrowded conditions and strained resources.<br /><br />Key challenges include an aging population, increased patient acuity, nursing shortages, seasonal surges from illnesses like COVID-19, and insufficient community resources. Desai emphasizes the importance of hospital-wide collaboration and a multifaceted approach, highlighting strategies such as direct bedding, optimized staffing, and improved inpatient communication.<br /><br />She suggests implementing solutions like rapid triage, telemedicine, psychiatric telehealth, and discharge lounges, along with fostering a supportive hospital culture. Desai also highlights the need for systemic changes, using real-time data dashboards, revised surgical scheduling, and enhanced inpatient coordination to improve patient flow and reduce boarding times. The webinar underscores that addressing the ED boarding crisis requires integrated efforts involving various healthcare stakeholders.

Keywords

ED boarding crisis

patient flow

nursing shortages

hospital collaboration

telemedicine

systemic changes

real-time data