Abstract The ongoing public health crisis due to COVID-19 highlights the importance of a coordinated system-wide approach to health resource management, and the need to mitigate the risk of ED overcrowding We provide a brief perspective on the current evidence and why a fundamental shift in approach is required Current time-based performance targets have hindered efforts to address core issues around patient flow in EDs A stronger focus on optimising hospital occupancy, clinician engagement and data would facilitate more appropriate and sustainable solutions to the problem Appropriate policy drivers are required to facilitate whole-of-hospital models of care, with a focus on avoidable admissions, complications and reduced hospital length of stay
Overcrowding kills: How COVID-19 could reshape emergency department patient flow in the new normal