Early lessons from <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 that may reduce future emergency department crowding
Laurie Mazurik, Arshia P. Javidan, Ian Higginson, Simon Judkins, David Petrie, Colin A. Graham, John Bonning, Kim Hansen, Eddy Lang
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant changes in emergency medicine patient volumes, clinical practice, and has accelerated a number of systems-level developments. Many of these changes produced efficiencies in emergency care systems and contributed to a reduction in crowding and access block. In this paper, we explore these changes, analyse their risks and benefits and examine their sustainability for the future to the extent that they may combat crowding. We also examine the necessity of a system-wide approach in addressing ED crowding and access block.
Topics & Concepts
CrowdingMedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Emergency departmentPandemic2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Crowding outMedical emergencyVirologyNursingInternal medicineInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseMonetary economicsOutbreakBiologyEconomicsNeuroscienceEmergency and Acute Care StudiesCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsTrauma and Emergency Care Studies