Parker Waichman LLP

ER Workers Says Patient Safety At Risk

Problems at hospital emergency rooms are putting patients at risk, according to a new study published in the December 2008 issue of The Annals of Emergency Medicine.  The study, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), was the first to closely examine safety […]

Problems at hospital emergency rooms are <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/medical_malpractice">putting patients at risk, according to a new study published in the December 2008 issue of The Annals of Emergency Medicine.  The study, which was funded by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), was the first to closely examine safety from the perspective of emergency department doctors and nurses.

According to an AHRQ press release, the study was conducted by a team of researchers with the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, the University of Colorado Health Science Center; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine; Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

For the study, researchers surveyed 3,562 emergency medicine clinicians in 65 hospitals to examine their perceptions about their emergency department’s safety. At all of the hospitals surveyed, respondents reported problems with the safety of emergency care systems.  According to the survey:

  • Nearly two-thirds of emergency department clinicians reported that they have insufficient space to deliver patient care.
  • One third indicated the number of patients consistently exceeds their emergency department’s capacity to provide safe care.
  • Forty percent reported physician staffing is insufficient to handle patient loads during busy periods.
  • Two-thirds reported nursing staff is insufficient to handle patient loads during busy periods.
  • Only a third of respondents reported that patients in their emergency department’s waiting rooms are monitored often.

“This is a national problem,”  lead author David Magid, M.D., senior scientist at the Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research and director for research at the Colorado Permanente Medical Group, said in the press release.. “It doesn’t matter if the hospital is big or small, an academic or community-based institution, or the region of the country.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Responsiveness , Value Thank you Parker Waichman and a special thanks to Francisco for successfully settling such a complex case like mine. Would refer a friend.
Chulani Sterling
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
i want to thank Parker Waichman for taking care of my case. I especially want to thank Kathy Senedacor for her time care and professionalism. Parker Waichman is very fortunate to have her representing them.
nicholas cardascia
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Jessie Salcedo was very helpful, and got to my needs quickly. She was knowledgeable of my case and very kind.
Eric Sershen
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038