Factors influencing the length of stay of patients at the emergency department of a private and government hospital in Ajman

ABSTRACT

The study aimed at determining the mean Emergency Department Length of Stay [EDLOS] in a government and private hospital in Ajman and identifying the factors affecting it and the suggestions for its improvement. This qualitative study was conducted at one Government and one Private Hospital in the city of Ajman, UAE. The data was collected through survey among 60 walk-in patients visiting the Emergency Department, using questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions, interviews with administrators, focus groups with physicians and nurses at the ED, and direct observation of EDLOS by the investigators. The average EDLOS reported for the hospitals under study were 60.40 minutes at the government and 42.50 minute at the private hospital. The inappropriate use of the ED and insufficient number of physicians working at the ED were reported to affect the EDLOS at both hospitals. The study group at the private hospital suggested implementing a triage system, employing experienced and dedicated ED nurses, increasing the number of physicians, beds and receptionists, as well as improving ED design to reduce EDLOS especially during rush hours. At the government hospital a need to increase the number of physicians working at ED was reported. Even though they had a triage system, improvement in the implementation and proper adherence to the system could reduce inappropriate use of ED. EDLOS was more in the government hospital. Inappropriate use of ED, inadequate number of personnel and design of the ED affected EDLOS