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Emergency room visit time: changes over a 16-year period.
New York State Journal of Medicine
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Emergency room (ER) patient numbers increased 36% over 16 years, with longer wait times and stays. Hospitals must optimize ER efficiency to remain competitive and improve patient care delivery.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Hospital Operations
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- A longitudinal study was conducted to assess changes in emergency room (ER) utilization.
- The study replicated a 1969 time and motion study at a large urban hospital.
- This research provides insights into ER patient flow over a 16-year period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare current ER utilization patterns with historical data from 1969.
- To analyze trends in patient wait times and length of stay.
- To inform hospital policy changes for improved healthcare delivery.
Main Methods:
- A one-week time and motion study was performed.
- Data collection focused on emergency room patient flow and resource utilization.
- Comparison with a previous study conducted in 1969 at the same institution.
Main Results:
- Emergency room patient volume increased by 36% over the 16-year period.
- Both patient length of stay and physician wait times have increased.
- Observed wait times and lengths of stay remain within established literature ranges.
Conclusions:
- Hospitals face increasing competition, necessitating efficient emergency room operations.
- Optimizing patient visit and wait times is crucial for attracting and retaining patients.
- The study provides a foundation for policy implementation to enhance healthcare delivery, with the institution already adopting changes.