Patients come to the department because the are hurt, suffering, confused, feeling ill, or scared. This is usually their first visit seeking emergency care, and can be overwhelmed by the system. One of the keys to providing patient centered care is inform them as much as possible about the what to expect and what is going on while they are in the emergency department.

Understanding the process comforts the patient that they are actively being cared for, and not forgotten. This can be done in many ways. It occurs during every personal interaction, at transitions of care, and periodically during the visit.

One way to augment this communication, is to providing written material to the patient with basic information. The letter below is a sample of what can be provided to an emergency department patient to help them understand the emergency department and what to expect.

To Patients and Visitors of Our Emergency Department

Visiting an emergency department is an unexpected and stressful experience. Our team in the Emergency Department are highly trained to provide the care you need no matter what the problem, on an unscheduled basis, without an appointment, irrespective of citizenship status or the ability to pay.

We want you to understand how you will be cared for during your visit.

Our Emergency Department offers 3 distinct services to appropriately meet your needs. These services are:

Urgent Care. As the name suggests, this area of the Emergency Department is designed to provide rapid care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. Theese services are available 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm.

As the name suggests, this area of the Emergency Department is designed to provide rapid care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. Theese services are available 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm. Emergency Department. Equipment and services to treat stable, urgent and emergent illnesses and injuries are available 24 hours a day.

Equipment and services to treat stable, urgent and emergent illnesses and injuries are available 24 hours a day. Stabilization Center. Capabilities include specialized emergency resuscitation, diagnostic, surgical and critical care services that are specifically organized for immediate response to provide care and treatment for patients with immediate life-threatening problems.

Triage

Your treatment begins at this point. In the Emergency Department, it is extremely important that the most critically ill and injured patients are seen first. This process is called “triage”. The triage nurse will:

Confirm the reason for your visit, your name and birth date.

Ask about any medications you are taking and any allergies you may have.

Obtain a brief medical history.

Take your vital signs: blood pressure, pulse, respiration and temperature.

Assess the urgency of your condition.

Some patients may have preliminary tests or x-rays done.

Basic treatments for pain, fever, shortness of breath may be started if indicated.

If your doctor referred you to the Emergency Department, the Triage Nurse will still have to determine the urgency of your condition. Even if your doctor has phoned ahead, you may have to wait if there are more urgent patients requiring treatment.

It is very important that you notify the triage nurse if your condition changes at any point while you are waiting.

Consult the triage nurse before eating or drinking as it may affect your treatment plan.

How long will I wait?

Waiting times depend on the seriousness of your condition and the condition of the other patients waiting for care. We take care of patients with the most serious problem first. Staff can only approximate waiting time, and this may change as additional patients arrive. Our promise is to speed your treatment as much as possible, and always keep you informed of the process.

Who will I see while in the Emergency Department

You will meet many people during your visit to the emergency department. These include:

Nurses

Physicians

Residents and medical students

Radiology Technicians

Lab Technicians

Healthcare Assistants

Paramedics

Security Officers

Clerks

Everyone who visits you should introduce themselves and clearly state their role in your care. A badge with this information should be prominently visible. If at anytime you are unclear who someone is or what their role is, please ask.

Registration

During the registration process, the clerk will ask you a number of demographic questions (address, phone number, emergency contacts) for your record and obtain a signature for consent for us to treat you. Also, you will be asked for insurance information if available.

All patients, regardless of ability to pay insurance status are treated.

Emergency Department Treatment Area

Once you are taken into an exam room, you will be assigned a primary care nurse. He/she may initiate certain treatments based upon your condition, including drawing blood, placing an intravenous (IV) catheter, or checking your heart rate, blood pressure or oxygen level.

You may be initially seen by a resident or medical, who will obtain a detailed history and perform a physical exam. As needed, additional tests or treatments may be ordered at that time.

All of your care will directed by the the supervising emergency physician attending who will also examine you and discuss your problem with you.

Tests and Treatments

Tests and treatments assist the physician in determining the appropriate plan of care for you. Lab results typically take 1-2 hours, depending on the type of test.

X-rays may be ordered. Some radiology studies, such as CT scans, may require that you drink contrast in either juice or water. To ensure accurate results, you may be required to wait up to 4 hours.

Some patients will have cardiogram/EKG which will be shown to the ED physician within 10 minutes of its completion.

You will be informed throughout all stages of assessment and treatment.

After your results have been completed, we will develop a plan of care with you. This plan of care will be discussed with you in detail. We encourage you to ask questions regarding your care at any time. Some illnesses and injuries may require you to be admitted to the hospital or to follow-up with a physician in the office. If at any time you are concerned about treatment or delays, please ask your nurse or doctor.

Leaving the Emergency Department

You will be given instructions prior to leaving the Emergency Department. Items include:

Name of the physician or nurse practitioner who treated you.

List of any new medications or changes to previous medications.

Information on your condition.

Who, when, and where to follow up with.

If you do not understand any of the instructions, please ask us. If questions arise once you get home, please call the Emergency Department at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or follow-up with your primary care physician.

Admission to the Hospital

Some conditions and treatments may require you to be admitted to the hospital. While the hospital prepares a room for you, you will wait in the Emergency Department. The wait time will depend on the type of bed you need. While you are still in the emergency department, you will continue to be cared for by the staff. This includes any needed treatments, evaluations, and comfort.

Privacy

Your privacy and confidentiality is a vital component of showing you respect. Your condition and medical information will only be available to those who need to know the information as part of your care.

We expect that patients, friends and family respect the privacy of others as well.

Visitors

We understand and support the need for family and friends in the Emergency Department. At times, we must limit visitation in order to provide quality care in a private and safe environment. Patients may be limited to two visitors at the bedside. While visiting, please remain in the patient’s room.

Depending on current activities in the Emergency Department, it may not be appropriate for children to visit. Adult supervision of children is required at all times.

Security

Your personal security is a basic expectation while you are in the emergency department. Our campus security officers and peace officers are a visible and dedicated to providing a safe place for you to receive care. Protecting patients does require verifying identities of visitors and obtaining passes.

We strongly recommend that all money and valuables be sent home with family or friends.

Escorts are available from the hospital to your vehicle.

Food

Patients who are awaiting treatment should not eat or drink anything until cleared by the healthcare team, as it may worsen their condition or delay therapy.

Food is available for friends and family, in the cafeteria. It is located on the second floor. Any staff member will be happy to direct you. Vending machines are also available in the Emergency Department lobby for your convenience. The coffee shop is located just off the main hospital lobby.

Cell Phones

We understand that communication with loved ones is important during emergency situations. Cell phones are permitted in the Emergency Department. We ask that you respect others while using your phone by speaking in a low volume.

Your Satisfaction

We appreciate hearing concerns regarding your visit to the emergency department. Patient satisfaction is very important to us. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your care while in the emergency department, I want to hear from you.

Dr Emergency Physician

Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine

City Hospital

Anywhere, USA