Profession
ED doctors seek solutions to crowding
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 26, 2007
More than 80% of emergency physicians said they had grave concerns about the crowded conditions in their emergency departments, according to a poll the American College of Emergency Physicians released last month.
Most physicians said crowded conditions have worsened, and 21% said their hospitals actively support ending or reducing patient boarding, a practice in which admitted emergency patients wait for an inpatient bed, often in hallways. Of the 1,496 doctors surveyed, 200 said they knew of a patient who died because of the practice. ACEP leaders said their organization is asking Congress to pass the Access to Emergency Medical Services Act, which would create a national bipartisan commission to examine factors that impede the delivery of quality care in U.S. EDs.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/11/26/prbf1126.htm.
