What is a common effect on ED flow during peak hours?

In an emergency department, peak hours typically correspond with times when patient volume surges significantly, such as evenings or weekends. During these periods, the number of individuals seeking urgent care often exceeds the department's capacity to manage them efficiently. This increase in patient volume directly leads to longer wait times as staff are required to triage and treat more patients simultaneously.

Factors contributing to this phenomenon include limited resources such as available beds, physician availability, and support staff. When demand increases but resources remain static, it is inevitable that patients will experience delays in care, impacting overall ED flow. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for healthcare providers as it helps in planning and resource allocation to better manage patient care during busy times.