In the emergency department, where every second counts, rising challenges such as overcrowding and widespread emergency medicine physician burnout are straining providers' ability to deliver timely care. As patient volumes increase and resources are stretched thin, cracks in the system are becoming more apparent, putting both patients and healthcare providers at risk.
Increased Overcrowding and Boarding in the ED
Emergency department (ED) visits have continued to trend upward, with EDs experiencing severe overcrowding and heightened ED boarding at a rate worse than the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 8 million patients visit emergency departments annually
- 90% of U.S. emergency departments report overcrowding
- The median ER wait time is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- 97% of emergency physicians report boarding times exceeding 1 day.
Factors Behind the Increasing Demand for Emergency Care
Number One Specialty for Burnout
In 2024, emergency medicine remains the medical specialty most affected by burnout, with 63% of emergency medicine physicians reporting burnout.
Geographical Disparities
While the overall number of emergency medicine physicians in the U.S. has increased over the years, rural areas continue to face significant shortages in emergency medicine.
Strategies for Ensuring Continuous Access to Emergency Care
Leverage Advanced Practice Providers: APPS have proven vital in filling in the gaps left by physician shortages, particularly in emergency medicine. Their expanding roles help ensure patient care remains continuous even in understaffed departments.
Implementing Emergency Medicine Locum Tenens Physicians and Advanced Practitioners: Much like APPs, locum tenens offer an additional layer of support by providing temporary staffing solutions that help alleviate shortages and ensure continuity of care.
For a comprehensive look into the factors driving the demand for emergency care and strategies for ensuring continuous access, we invite you to download our complete white paper by filling out the form above.
