ED overcrowding

Emergency Department (ED) overcrowding occurs when the number of patients seeking care exceeds the hospital's capacity to provide timely and effective treatment. This can lead to longer wait times, rushed consultations, and decreased quality of care. Causes include increased patient volume, a shortage of medical staff, and limited availability of inpatient beds. Overcrowding can strain hospital resources, impacting not only emergency care but also scheduled procedures and overall patient outcomes. Addressing this issue often requires systemic changes in healthcare delivery and resource management to ensure efficient, effective patient care.