Independent determinants of prolonged emergency department length of stay in a tertiary care centre: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a potential threat for patient safety. We searched for independent determinants of prolonged ED length of stay (LOS) with the aim to identify factors which can be targeted to reduce ED LOS, which may help in preventing overcrowding.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included consecutive ED patients in a Dutch tertiary care centre. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of ED LOS > 4 h, including patient characteristics (demographics, referral type, acuity, (number of) presenting complaints and comorbidity), treating specialty, diagnostic testing, consultations, number of patients in the ED and disposition. Furthermore, we quantified the absolute time delays (measured in

SUBMITTER: van der Veen D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6148782 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature