Emergency department crowding: factors influencing flow.

摘要: Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate those factors, both intrinsic and extrinsic the emergency department (ED) that influence two specific components throughput: “door-to-doctor” time dwell time. Methods: We used a prospective observational design determine variables played significant role in determining ED flow. All adult patients seen or waiting be were observed at 8pm (Monday-Friday) during three-month period. Variables measured included daily volume, patient acuity, staffing, occupancy, admissions, boarder hospital intensive care unit volume. Both log-rank tests time-to-wait (survival) proportional-hazard regression models fitted which most predicting times, with full account censoring for some patients. Results: captured 1,543 our period, representing 27% total operated an average 85% capacity (61-102%) boarding. Median 1.8 hours, biggest being triage category, day week, occupancy. 5.5 hours similar variable influences. Conclusion: largest contributors decreased flow through institution week. Although statistically factors influencing throughput involve problems inflow, increase occupancy could due substantial outflow obstruction may indicate necessity increased within hospital. [West J Emerg Med. 2010; 11(1):10-15]