Shortening the Wait: A Strategy to Reduce Waiting Times in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Emergency Department crowding (EDC), extended wait times, and the issues arising as a result are well described in the health-care literature. Accordingly, reducing waiting times has become a focus across Canada. Less-urgent patient presentations represent a large proportion of the individuals presenting for care in Canadian emergency departments (ED). This patient population contributes to congestion in the ED. In light of these issues, an innovative program is being trialed at Burnaby Hospital, in the lower mainland of British Columbia. The goals of the program include: a reduction of EDC, a shortening of the duration of time between patient presentation and treatment, and an increase reported levels of patient satisfaction.

Key words: Emergency department overcrowding, Triage, Waiting times, Satellite clinic