The emergency departme (ED) at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC, located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, is often stretched beyond capacity. Patient volume in the 43-bed ED has jumped 34% in the past four years, and more than 8

摘要

The emergency departmentrn(ED) at Presbyterian Hospital in Charlotte, NC, located in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, is often stretched beyond capacity. Patient volume in the 43-bed ED has jumped 34% in the past four years, and more than 86,000 adults and children are expected to seek care there this year.rnIn any crowded ED, some patients grow weary of waiting and leave the hospital without being seen by a clinician. Patients' irritation with delays can result in displaced anger aimed at nurses and physicians, which deflates staff morale.