Other Titles
Wait! Do Emergency Room Wait Times Lead to Preventable Harm [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, hospitals have experienced significant increases in Emergency Department (ED) wait times and extended hospitalizations. These delays have led to capacity challenges, with patients often held in the ED due to the unavailability of inpatient beds. Prolonged ED stays may increase the risk of preventable patient harm. As Pak et al. (2021) noted, “wait time estimates are critical for delivering safe, effective care to patients in an emergency department.”
Research Aim: This study aims to examine whether prolonged ED stays (greater than 3 hours) are associated with an increased incidence of preventable patient harm prior to hospital admission.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient data from 2020 to 2024 at a 220-bed hospital in the Midwest. A total of 870 charts were reviewed to assess correlations between ED wait times and adverse events. The following preventable harm indicators were evaluated: central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), surgical site infection (SSI), hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI), and patient falls.
Results: Chart review and data extraction have been completed. Statistical analysis is currently underway to assess correlation and significance. Final results will be presented at the conference.
Conclusions: While data analysis is ongoing, existing literature emphasizes that no patient expects to be harmed during medical care. Longer ED stays may increase the risk of preventable harm, particularly in overburdened healthcare systems. In 2018, 1 in 4 Medicare patients experienced preventable harm during hospitalization (Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). Since COVID-19, increased patient acuity and reduced bed availability have likely exacerbated these risks. This study seeks to contribute evidence to support safer patient flow and resource allocation in emergency care settings
Notes
Presenter notes available in attached slide deck.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Lead Author Affiliation
Mary Greeley Medical Center, Ames, Iowa, USA
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Retrospective
Research Approach
Quantitative Research
Keywords:
Acute Care, Interprofessional and Interdisciplinary, Emergency Room Visits, Emergency Room Wait Times, Harm Reduction
Recommended Citation
Warg, Jamie L. and Bowker, Dawn, "Wait! Do Longer Wait Times Lead to Preventable Harm?" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 29.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/29
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-07-21
Wait! Do Longer Wait Times Lead to Preventable Harm?
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, hospitals have experienced significant increases in Emergency Department (ED) wait times and extended hospitalizations. These delays have led to capacity challenges, with patients often held in the ED due to the unavailability of inpatient beds. Prolonged ED stays may increase the risk of preventable patient harm. As Pak et al. (2021) noted, “wait time estimates are critical for delivering safe, effective care to patients in an emergency department.”
Research Aim: This study aims to examine whether prolonged ED stays (greater than 3 hours) are associated with an increased incidence of preventable patient harm prior to hospital admission.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient data from 2020 to 2024 at a 220-bed hospital in the Midwest. A total of 870 charts were reviewed to assess correlations between ED wait times and adverse events. The following preventable harm indicators were evaluated: central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), surgical site infection (SSI), hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI), and patient falls.
Results: Chart review and data extraction have been completed. Statistical analysis is currently underway to assess correlation and significance. Final results will be presented at the conference.
Conclusions: While data analysis is ongoing, existing literature emphasizes that no patient expects to be harmed during medical care. Longer ED stays may increase the risk of preventable harm, particularly in overburdened healthcare systems. In 2018, 1 in 4 Medicare patients experienced preventable harm during hospitalization (Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). Since COVID-19, increased patient acuity and reduced bed availability have likely exacerbated these risks. This study seeks to contribute evidence to support safer patient flow and resource allocation in emergency care settings
Description
Focus: Clinical
Status: Completed Work/Project
Explore the impact of prolonged Emergency Department wait times on patient safety. This session will examine data trends, potential correlations with preventable harm, and strategies to improve outcomes during hospital admission delays.