As emergency physicians we have been struggling with a nationwide boarding burden for over 20 years. It is not a problem of our making and we are not the keys to solving it. But we are the innovators and leaders in our hospitals. It is important that we be conversant in all sides of the boarding issue. We are right to demand that our respective hospital leaders address this problem using effective inpatient strategies for creating capacity. Now you have the playbook. In these extreme circumstances we can and should partner with hospital leaders to identify and manage avoidable admissions. It is time to turn our attention to the demand side of the throughput equation!

Dr. Welch practiced emergency medicine for 35 years. She was an ED quality director for Intermountain Healthcare. She has written articles and books on ED quality, safety, and efficiency. She is a consultant with Quality Matters Consulting, and her expertise is in ED operations, patient flow, and work flow.

References

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