Home / Health / Alberta ER Waits Tied to Hospital Capacity
Alberta ER Waits Tied to Hospital Capacity
4 Feb
Summary
- Hospital capacity is critical to ER wait times.
- Crowding factors include occupancy and admitted patients awaiting beds.
- Older age and deprivation linked to longer ER stays.
Addressing hospital capacity constraints is "critical" to reducing emergency room wait times in Alberta, according to a new study. Researchers examined over 500,000 ER visits across 14 Alberta hospitals between May 2022 and March 2023.
The study highlights that hospital occupancy rates and the number of admitted patients awaiting ward beds significantly impact ER wait times. Hospitals operating near 100 percent capacity experienced shorter waits compared to those at 110-120 percent occupancy. The findings also indicate that older age, material or social deprivation, and emergency medical services transport were associated with longer ER stays, while connection to a primary care physician was linked to shorter ones.
This research emerges amid growing concerns about ER overcrowding in Alberta. Experts emphasize the need for systemic solutions, including better community care and managing high-risk individuals before they reach emergency departments. The Alberta government's Acute Care Action plan aims to address these issues through increased continuing care spaces and new hospital beds.
