Integrated emergency center: a solution for patient management?: A literature-based empirical primary data review

Abstract

Background: German emergency departments are overcrowded. More and more patients are visiting an emergency room, even though some of them could be treated by a general practitioner. The planned introduction of integrated emergency centers (IECs) is intended to counteract this overcrowding and congestion in emergency rooms. But can IECs be used for patient management and what personnel and structural requirements are needed for this? Methods: This is a literature-supported empiric primary data assessment. Therefore, a systematic literature review is the base for the further cross-sectional review. The aim was to question published opinions and positions of different professional associations, societies and clinical experts. Data were collected through a quantitative online survey. The online survey was sent to all medical and nursing managers (N = 331) of emergency departments in Bavaria. Data were analyzed using the statistic program SPSS. Results: One-third of emergency department managers (N = 107) responded to the online survey. Participants consisted of 57 medical and 50 nursing department managers. More than 80% of the surveyed participants consider IECs to be useful. Important prerequisites for the establishment of IECs include collaboration of all stakeholders, a validated initial assessment, appropriate staffing models and a transparent design of IECs. Conclusion: IECs are currently considered as a promising solution. In order for patient management to succeed, the above conditions must be met.