Longer emergency department length of stay was associated with greater daily admissions, periods of ambulance diversion and weekdays, according to a study in The American Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Researchers studied 2009 operational data from nine U.S. EDs. In addition to the findings above, they found the percentage of discharged patients and eloped patients — those who left without receiving necessary treatment — affected ED LOS: For each percentage increase in discharged patients, the overall ED LOS decreased 1 percent. For each percentage increase in eloped patients, LOS increased 1.2 percent.
Researchers studied 2009 operational data from nine U.S. EDs. In addition to the findings above, they found the percentage of discharged patients and eloped patients — those who left without receiving necessary treatment — affected ED LOS: For each percentage increase in discharged patients, the overall ED LOS decreased 1 percent. For each percentage increase in eloped patients, LOS increased 1.2 percent.
More Articles on ED Utilization:
Study: Consumer-Driven Health Plans Linked to Reduced Utilization, CostsStudy: Patients' Perceptions, Providers' Availability May Hinder Proper ED Utilization
20% of ED Patients Not Admitted to Hospital Were Referred by Physician