emergency department overcrowding

Emergency department overcrowding occurs when there are more patients arriving than the facility can promptly treat and manage with available resources. This situation can lead to longer wait times, delays in care, and increased stress for both patients and staff. Overcrowding often results from a combination of high patient volume, limited hospital beds, staffing shortages, and the need to prioritize urgent cases. It compromises care quality and can jeopardize patient safety, highlighting the importance of efficient resource management and strategies to reduce unnecessary emergency visits.