The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine SGEM Xtra Zombie Idea: ED Crowding is Due to Non-Urgent Patients
Apr 1, 2025
Emergency department crowding is scrutinized, debunking the myth that non-urgent patients are to blame. The discussion highlights the vital need for precise definitions of crowding and warns against mislabeling that could harm patient care. It also addresses systemic issues like staffing shortages and the unique challenges faced in rural settings. There’s an emphasis on evidence-based solutions tailored to local needs rather than ineffective approaches, advocating for hospital-wide strategies to improve patient flow and reduce wait times.
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Zombie Idea: ED Crowding
- ED crowding is a "zombie idea" because it's continually revived despite evidence.
- This "zombie idea" states that non-urgent patients cause ED crowding.
Diversion Dangers
- Diverting non-urgent patients won't solve crowding and risks missing sick patients.
- Patients don't self-label their urgency, making diversion risky.
ED Compartment Syndrome
- The ED operates like a compartment syndrome; it always accepts patients.
- Other healthcare areas can decline patients, forcing more into the ED.