CMAJ Podcasts EDs in crisis: causes and solutions
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Sep 18, 2023 Dr. Catherine Varner, an emergency physician and deputy editor at CMAJ, teams up with Dr. David Petrie, co-chair of the EM:POWER Task Force, to discuss the crisis engulfing Canada’s emergency departments. They dive into alarming issues like overcrowding, long wait times, and healthcare worker burnout. The duo highlights often-overlooked solutions, emphasizing the need for improved resource allocation and community-based care. They challenge misconceptions about emergency congestion and stress the urgency for systemic reforms in healthcare delivery.
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Worsening ED Crisis
- Emergency department crowding is worsening, impacting patient care and staff retention.
- The increased media attention highlights the severity of the current crisis.
Impact of ED Waits
- ED wait times correlate with increased morbidity and mortality, making the crisis more urgent.
- Post-COVID, boarding of admitted patients and staff shortages have worsened.
Boarding Impact
- Admitted patients filling ED beds hinder new patient care and create unconventional care spaces.
- This leads to inadequate care, compromised privacy, and equipment limitations.