While emergency departments are open to anyone without appointment, the need for prioritisation results in periods of waiting that are both wasteful and frustrating. However, value can be added to patient care by (1) engaging the waiting patient, (2) empowering the waiting patient and (3) educating the waiting patient. If these principles are implemented, they will benefit both the patient and the healthcare system.
Keywords: efficiency; emergency care systems.
© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.