Experiences of Registered Nurses in Overcrowded Emergency Departments: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) is a significant global issue, impacting patients, staff, and healthcare systems. Understanding the dynamics of ED overcrowding can lead to better strategies for managing and resolving these challenges.Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences of ED nurses concerning the causes, effects, and solutions for ED overcrowding.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with 27 nurses from the EDs of three tertiary hospitals. Participants shared their experiences related to ED overcrowding. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis, adhering to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.Results: Participant ages ranged from 23 to 44 years (average age of 33.4), with an average of 7.8 years (ranging from 2 to 25 years) in emergency nursing. Additionally, 85.1% of the participants held undergraduate degrees. The content analysis identified three themes and 11 sub-themes, reflecting the nurses' experiences with ED overcrowding. These themes included factors contributing to overcrowding, the consequences of such overcrowding, and proposed solutions. Conclusion:The study highlighted various causes and consequences of ED overcrowding as identified by nursing staff, alongside suggestions for addressing these issues. It was determined that strategies should be developed to address the causes of overcrowding. Furthermore, institutions and governmental bodies must implement necessary measures to mitigate its adverse effects.