Table 2 Overview of thematic analysis results for focus group discussions and in-depth interviews
From: Access block and overcrowding at the emergency department at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Samoa
Theme | Sub-theme |
|---|---|
Adverse impacts of access block and overcrowding in the ED | Emotionally disturbed patients and accompanying caregivers |
Violence towards ED staff members | |
Contributing factors to access block and overcrowding in the ED | Transfers from the outpatient clinic when it closes at 10 pm |
Only one medical officer on duty | |
Different practices between senior and junior medical officers | |
Delayed laboratory test results | |
No physical bed to accommodate patients | |
Bed unavailability on the hospital ward | |
Delays in the patient discharge process from the hospital ward | |
Practical solutions to access block and overcrowding in the ED | Use of patient care co-ordinators |
Improved assessments of patients who may be discharged to homecare and reviewed in the outpatient clinics | |
Use of discharge lounge on the wards to improve bed availability and turnover times | |
Investment in acute critical care training | |
Improved working relationships between the ED, outpatient clinics, and hospital wards |