What role did artificial intelligence play in a patient's ER experience in Alberta?

One patient with a diabetic emergency used ChatGPT to help identify her condition as likely diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and to suggest she needed an IV, which she later received.

What concerns have emergency room doctors raised about patient care in Alberta?

Emergency room doctors have documented six deaths and over two dozen cases where they allege ER delays potentially worsened patients' conditions or contributed to their deaths.

What measures is the Alberta government implementing to address ER wait times?

The province is adding temporary beds, launching a triage liaison physician program in select ERs to expedite diagnosis and care, and working to free up beds by moving long-term patients.

Home / Health / Alberta ERs Overwhelmed: Deaths, Delays Exposed

Alberta ERs Overwhelmed: Deaths, Delays Exposed

27 Jan

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Summary

Patients seek AI answers amid severe emergency room delays.
Two women recount harrowing experiences with long ER waits.
Doctors report six deaths linked to ER delays in Alberta.

Emergency rooms in Alberta are experiencing severe strain, leading to critical delays and concerning patient outcomes. One woman with Type 1 diabetes, experiencing a diabetic ketoacidosis emergency, reported turning to ChatGPT for answers after hours of waiting for medical assessment at Rockyview General Hospital. She confirmed she was suffering from moderate to severe DKA and required an IV, which she stated was administered hours after her arrival.

Another woman recounted a terrifying ordeal following a C-section, where she endured a postpartum hemorrhage and significant blood loss while waiting for hours in an emergency room. She ultimately required a life-saving hysterectomy. Emergency room physicians have formally communicated concerns to the provincial government, detailing six deaths and over two dozen cases where they allege delays potentially worsened patient conditions or contributed to fatalities.

These situations arise as hospitals operate at overcapacity, with doctors expressing long-standing pleas for assistance. The provincial government acknowledges the serious concern of long wait times, citing increased demand due to respiratory viruses and comparing Alberta's situation to other provinces. Initiatives like the triage liaison physician program are being launched to aid in diagnosing and caring for patients more quickly.