Exploring Inpatient Unit Nurses’ Experience with Emergency Department Crowding, Access and Flow, and Associated Patient Outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29173/cjen175Keywords:
ED crowding, access and flow, patient outcomes, inpatient unit nursingAbstract
Background: Emergency department crowding and hospital access and flow are complex and long standing issues that negatively impact healthcare delivery. This study aims to address these issues through the perspectives of inpatient unit nurses. Strategies to alleviate ED crowding are supported by research exploring ED staff perspectives; however, a paucity of research exists addressing the perceptions of inpatient unit nurses and other key stakeholders.
Methods: The research aims were addressed using qualitative method. Semi-structured virtual interviews were completed with eleven inpatient unit registered nurses from two hospital sites. A 17-question interview tool facilitated the collection of data.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the data analysis. Inpatient unit nurses identified ED crowding, hospital access and flow, and site congestion as key areas of concern. In addition, the influence of understaffing was viewed as a contributor to ED crowding, resulting in negative outcomes for patient care.
Conclusion: This study is the initial step to understanding different experiences, perceptions and knowledge on emergency department crowding and access and flow processes. Further research exploring diverse viewpoints on this topic is necessary given the interconnected organizational structure of healthcare today and how key stakeholders, outside of the emergency department, strongly influence access block and ED outflow.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Laurie Rosenzweig, Shawna Peacock, Ivana Zdjelar, Craig Murray, Mangat Vohra
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing is published Open Access under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 license. Authors retain full copyright.
