Study finds link between ED crowding and length of stay

Facilities that have a decreased length of stay also tend to have successful interventions for reducing emergency department (ED) crowding, according to an Annals of Emergency Medicine study.

The study aimed to examine ED overcrowding and its link to higher patient death rates and decreased patient satisfaction. To accomplish this objective, study authors worked with four high-performing, four low-performing, and four high-performing improving hospitals. The study looked at the case-mix-adjusted ED length of stay and boarding times for the top and bottom 5% of hospitals for which CMS collected data in 2012. Researchers also interviewed hospital leaders.

Researchers concluded that there are characteristics specific to EDs with a decreased length of stay. Hospitals that possess these characteristics are more likely to be successful in reducing ED overcrowding. Hospitals should consider reviewing the characteristics identified in the study to implement them at their facilities as they may help with ED overcrowding.