Minnesota hospitals are struggling with a surge in patients with influenza and other viral illnesses, causing ER wait times to rise. To cope with the situation, many hospitals have adopted “split flow” triage systems, where initial care is provided in waiting rooms when ER bays are full. This approach has helped reduce wait times for patients.
The strategy was initially used during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been found effective in managing patient volumes. United Hospital in St. Paul recently implemented this system, reporting that patients are seeing providers more quickly despite high patient volumes. The hospital’s ER was full with 40 patients, but many received triage care, reducing wait times.
However, hospitals still face challenges due to a lack of inpatient beds. Thirty of the 40 patients were waiting for beds, contributing to the logjam in emergency rooms. This issue is further complicated by outbreaks in long-term care facilities, which can lead to staffing shortages and occupied hospital beds.
Experts emphasize that triage care is only part of the solution and that hospitals must continue to adapt to changing patient needs. Dr. Will Nicholson, vice president of medical affairs for M Health Fairview’s East Metro Hospitals, encouraged people to seek vaccinations, stay home when sick, and take precautions to avoid illness.
The situation highlights the ongoing need for healthcare system improvements, particularly as the population ages and patients encounter more complex medical problems.
Source: https://www.startribune.com/crowded-minnesota-ers-overflow-into-waiting-rooms-amid-flu-surge/601207054