Is fast track effective at decreasing overcrowding in the emergency department in urban areas compared to no interventions?

Authors

Nikeisha Stephens, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

Advisor

Dr Eylse Watkins

Abstract

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a growing concern with far-reaching public health implications. Overcrowding of an emergency department is described as a situation in which the number of patients to be assessed and treated far exceeds staffing capacity.¹ This paper discusses the effectiveness of implementing a fast track area in the ED and its impact on patient care. This paper was done by conducting a systematic literature review for high quality studies comparing the effectiveness of triage-related interventions such as fast track in the emergency department. Studies support the implementation of a fast track area significantly reduces waiting times (WT), length of stay (LOS) and left without being seen (LWBS) rates for non-urgent patients. Instituting a fast track area is an effective option for increasing patient flow in the ED.

Recommended Citation

Stephens N. Is fast track effective at decreasing overcrowding in the emergency department in urban areas compared to no interventions?. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(3).