Morgan D. Wilbanks, MD; Nicole Fumo, MPH; Jamie M. Aranda, MD; Amy Zosel, MD; Jonathan Rubin, MD; John Ray, MD; Ian B. K. Martin, MD, MBA
WMJ. 2022;121(3):189-193
ABSTRACT
Background: We describe patient-visit volumes, patient acuity, and demographics in our 4 academic health system emergency departments (ED) before, during, and after implementation of a COVID-19 pandemic safer-at-home order.
Methods: Data were collected from the electronic health record, including patient-visit volumes, chief complaint, Emergency Severity Index (ESI), and patient demographics. Descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: There was a 37% decrease in combined ED patient-visit volume during the safer-at-home order period (42% at the academic medical center). ED patient-visit volumes increased after the safer-at-home order concluded. During the safer-at-home order period, there was an increase in the proportion of ESI-2 visits and admission rates from EDs across the system.
Conclusions: Significant differences in ED patient-visit volumes and patient acuity were associated with a safer-at-home order in our academic health system. These differences are similar to experiences of other hospital systems across the country.