Length-of-stay in the emergency department and in-hospital mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis (21 December 2021)

Summary

A prolonged stay in the emergency department before moving on to an in-hospital bed, another facility or departing home, is believed to have a negative effect on clinical outcomes for patients. This international systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Medicine aimed to investigate the link between emergency department length of stay (EDLOS) and in-hospital mortality.

The study's findings suggest two key associations with increased in-hospital mortality:

1. low EDLOS
2. EDLOS exceeding 24 hours

The authors suggest that:

• long stays in the emergency department should not be allowed.
• special attention should be given to patients admitted after a short stay in the emergency department.