This would include more effective use of space and transfer strategies. There needs to be available strategies to help release some of the overcrowding within ED areas, especially within the context of peak periods. Therefore, the research will look to find the most effective are to actually place these overflowing patients, where they are still in reach of ED services, while not overcrowding the actual ward itself. This research will explore the use of electric bed tracking systems as a way to effectively manage over populated areas and make the most advantage of other wards with less population. Research suggests that "Electric systems for tracking bed status can be helpful in increasing the transparency of bed availability," (McLarty & Jeffers 2008 p 3). Are such practices feasible in an already tight hospital budget?

If this question can be answered effectively, it will have a huge positive impact on the healthcare industry. Finding the most...

Finding the most cost effective manner is one of the most important drivers in this search. With so many hospitals over stretching their budgets already, it would often prove detrimental to over spend on seeking solutions for this problem. Therefore, more staffing does prove a strategy that is more problematic than helpful. Proving transferring ED patients to other units is important to help provide a feasible strategy for hospitals around the country in need.
References

McLarty, Jim & Jeffers, Lori. (2008). Is your patient throughput sending out an SOS? Healthcare Financial Management. Web. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3257/is_7_62/ai_n28072667/

Zimmerman, Richard S. (2004). Hospital capacity, productivity, and patient safety -- it all flows together. Frontiers of Health Services Management. 20(4)33-35.