The International Federation for Emergency Medicine report on emergency department crowding and access block: a brief summary

Abstract

Abstract Objective To develop comprehensive guidance that captures international impacts, causes, and solutions related to emergency department crowding and access block Methods Emergency physicians representing 15 countries from all IFEM regions composed the Task Force. Monthly meetings were held via video-conferencing software to achieve consensus for report content. The report was submitted and approved by the IFEM Board on June 1, 2020. Results A total of 14 topic dossiers, each relating to an aspect of ED crowding, were researched and completed collaboratively by members of the Task Force. Conclusions The IFEM report is a comprehensive document intended to be used in whole or by section to inform and address aspects of ED crowding and access block. Overall, ED crowding is a multifactorial issue requiring systems-wide solutions applied at local, regional, and national levels. Access block is the predominant contributor of ED crowding in most parts of the world.

Keywords

• Crowding
• Access block
• Care systems
• Emergency care systems
• Emergency department management
• Emergency department operations