The American healthcare system is facing a growing crisis, and it's not just about the rising costs or the endless wait times. It's about the barbaric practice of 'boarding' patients in emergency departments, a practice that is only getting worse. This is a personal account of the author's experience with her husband, Andrej, who was suffering from esophageal cancer and was forced to endure the harsh realities of emergency-department boarding.
In the author's words, 'I will not go to the emergency room' became Andrej's mantra, and it's easy to understand why. The emergency department, or ED, has become a holding area for patients who are waiting for a bed in the hospital. This is a common practice, but it's a practice that is taking a toll on patients and healthcare providers alike.
The author describes the experience of being trapped in the ED, waiting for a bed, as a 'terrifying medical underworld'. She details the long wait times, the inadequate care, and the emotional toll it takes on patients and their families. The author also highlights the fact that the ED is becoming more crowded, with patients waiting for days or even weeks for a bed.
The root cause of this problem is complex. It's not just about the lack of beds or the high cost of opening them. It's about the business model of hospitals, which prioritize elective admissions and generate revenue from them. The author argues that the problem is not inefficiency, but rather the way healthcare finance is structured.
The author also highlights the impact of boarding on patients, particularly those who are elderly or have complex medical needs. She describes the experience of her husband, who was forced to endure the harsh conditions of the ED, and the emotional toll it took on him and their family. The author also notes that the lack of data on boarding times makes it difficult to measure the problem and implement solutions.
In the end, the author calls for a solution to the boarding crisis, arguing that it's a public health crisis that needs to be addressed. She suggests that hospitals should be required to report boarding times and face penalties for excess, and that more rehabilitation beds should be created. The author also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the problem, one that takes into account the complex factors that contribute to it.
In my opinion, the boarding crisis is a symptom of a larger problem in the American healthcare system. It's a system that is broken and in need of reform. The author's personal account is a powerful reminder of the human cost of this crisis, and it's a call to action for policymakers and healthcare providers to address the problem and create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all.
