Evaluating the Impact of Hospital Closure on Local Emergency Department Operations

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Healthcare Operations Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The closure of Memorial Hospital of RI (MHRI) on January 1, 2018, led to anecdotal reports of operational strain on surrounding emergency departments (EDs).
• This study investigates the quantifiable impact of the MHRI closure on the operational metrics and patient demographics of neighboring healthcare facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a hospital closure on the operational performance of adjacent emergency departments.
• To assess changes in patient population demographics following the closure of a major healthcare facility.

Main Methods:

• An interrupted time-series analysis was employed to compare pre- and post-closure operational outcomes.
• Data were collected from three hospitals within the same health system: Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, and Newport Hospital.

Main Results:

• Within the first year after MHRI closure, two area hospitals experienced significant increases in monthly ED volume, patient length of stay, and rates of patients leaving without being seen.
• A notable diversification in patient demographics was observed at these facilities.
• Miriam Hospital, the closest facility to MHRI, bore the most substantial impact.

Conclusions:

• The closure of Memorial Hospital of RI resulted in demonstrable operational strain and shifts in patient population at neighboring EDs.
• Findings underscore the necessity for increased resource allocation to effectively manage clinical care and logistical challenges in the aftermath of hospital closures.