10 Emergency Department Boarding Is Associated With Lower Profit Margins in Higher Performing Hospitals

Abstract

Boarding of emergency department patients is associated with reductions in quality, safety, patient experience, and ED operational efficiency. However, ED boarding is ultimately reflective of inefficiencies in hospital capacity management. The most effective hospitals likely adapt and plan for variability in patient flow. Ultimately, the ability of a hospital to do so will impact its financial performance. While inefficient management of the inflow of patients may affect the financial performance of an institution, the relationship between boarding and hospital-wide financial performance remains ill-defined.