A research team from Redland Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) has been awarded nearly $95,000 over two years to evaluate the safety and quality of care provided in the acute overflow (AO) area of the ED.
The grant was secured through the Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) by Emergency Department clinicians Kendall Williams, Dr Henry Tsao, and Riana Davis, marking another success for the team.
With emergency departments across Australia facing increasing demand, acute overflow areas provide critical flexibility by accommodating patients during busy periods.
These temporary spaces are designed to help manage surges in presentations, but little is currently known about their overall impact on patient care results.
“Our study is the first of its kind to examine how acute overflow areas are used and how we can improve the experience for patients,” Kendall said.
“To do this, we need to have strong, data-driven evidence to guide improvements.
“The research will involve a detailed analysis of patient outcomes over six months.”
Dr Tsao said that by better understanding how acute overflow areas function, improvements could be found to benefit both patients and staff.
“It’s a chance to turn challenges into opportunities,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure every patient in the ED receives safe, high-quality care.”
This project would not be possible without the support of the Bayside Research Advisory Group and academic research manager, Kirsten Strudwick. If you are keen to be involved in research, please contact the academic research manager at BaysideHealthResearch@health.qld.gov.au.