This created problems in the care of patients that should have been admitted to other units, as well as for all patients receiving care in the emergency department on an inpatient or an outpatient basis.
In addition, research was undertaken that examined alternatives to simply increasing the efficiency with which ED patients are either treated and released or admitted on an inpatient basis, and it was found that increasing staffing level and other practices were still insufficient. The research all quite clearly suggested that the practice of inpatient boarding in emergency departments was detrimental to patients as well as to medical, nursing, and support staff, and was also...
It was recognized that a huge benefit could be derived from a comprehensive and conclusive survey of the issue, which would lead to clearer recommendations for nursing and medical staff as well as hospital administrators than have yet been put forward by conclusive and broad-spectrum parties.
This capstone project will contribute to the future of the healthcare environment by helping to terminate what is quickly becoming an entrenched yet detrimental practice in many hospitals. By providing comprehensive and broad-based evidence regarding the problems with ED inpatient boarding, this project can improve the quality and the efficiency of care.
