Quality emergency care (QEC) in resource limited settings: A concept analysis

Providing appropriate high-quality emergency care (QEC) commensurate with patients' needs is critical for continuity of care, patient safety, optimal clinical outcomes, reduced mortality, and patient satisfaction. This concept analysis aims to define and assist in understanding the concept of QEC in resource-limited settings.

Quality emergency care concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant's approach. Several literature review methods and dictionaries were used to explore the QEC concept.

Immediate assessment, rapid diagnosis, and critical interventions are the attributes of QEC for life-threatening and time-sensitive conditions, leading to timely and safe care provision.

Nurses serve as the backbone for most emergency care centers such as primary care, emergency department, and even prehospital care. The first few hours following a potential life- or limb-threatening condition are vital. The emergency care rendered to patients can significantly affect treatment's overall outcome; therefore, quality emergency care is critical.