Date of Conferral
8-6-2026
Date of Award
August 2026
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Cara Krulewitch
Abstract
Emergency departments (EDs) are essential access points to healthcare for patients with urgent and emergent conditions. Yet, many EDs face persistent challenges, including overcrowding, prolonged wait times, and delays in care. These challenges can significantly affect patient safety, quality of care, and overall healthcare outcomes. Patients presenting with symptoms, such as cardiac, pulmonary, or abdominal discomfort, may initially appear clinically stable, but their conditions can deteriorate rapidly while awaiting evaluation by a provider. Without structured reassessment processes and efficient communication systems, early warning signs of clinical decline may be missed. ED crowding has become a widespread operational and patient safety concern across healthcare systems. Research indicates that prolonged waiting times can increase the risk of delayed diagnoses and treatment and lower patient satisfaction scores. Additionally, overcrowding increases stress and workload among healthcare professionals, which may affect staff performance and job satisfaction. Implementing structured triage protocols that incorporate risk stratification, routine reassessment of patients awaiting care, and improved communication among healthcare teams may help address these challenges by enhancing patient prioritization and clinical workflow. In this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project, I aim to present an Executive Leadership System Improvement project to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and enhance patient safety.
Recommended Citation
Ezirim, Peace Adaugo, "Executive Summary on Prolonged Emergency Department Waiting Period" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20534.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20534
