Understanding Boarding and Its Implications

Boarding refers to the practice of holding admitted patients in the emergency department (ED), significantly contributing to crowding issues. This crowding leads to a variety of negative outcomes, including increased ambulance diversions, prolonged hospital stays, heightened violence risk, lower patient satisfaction, and a greater likelihood of medical errors. Financial factors are highlighted as key drivers of this problem, with hospitals often preferring higher reimbursement rates from elective admissions over accommodating emergency admissions. A comprehensive understanding of the financial consequences of boarding is crucial for effectively addressing the challenges faced in emergency departments.