Modern emergency care is aimed at a safe and quick discharge of the patient.

In Finland, there has been a need to develop emergency care in the past years because of the government's statutes and the need to meet the international standards. Emergency medicine as a newcomer specialty has encouraged the process. Emergency physicians are expected to take more responsibility of patient flow and treatment in the emergency departments (ED). The observation unit is an important part of the ED. It allows patients to be treated on a short-term basis, and patient care is efficient due to the close communication between specialties. Patient selection is in the essence of a well-functioning observation ward.