Factors and post-discharge outcomes associated with patients' readiness for discharge from the emergency medicine ward: A prospective study.

Background: Discharging patients with a self-reported low readiness for hospital discharge (RHD) may be challenging, as these patients may be vulnerable to risks and adaptation issues that can delay recovery. However, little is known about whether emergency medicine ward (EMW) patients are sufficiently prepared for discharge to home. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the factors and outcomes associated with patients' RHD in an EMW setting.

Effectiveness of Emergency Medicine Wards in reducing length of stay and overcrowding in emergency departments.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an Emergency Medicine Ward (EMW) in reducing the length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department, length of hospitalization, emergency medical admission rate, and the hospital bed occupancy rate.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional, observational study with a retrospective, quantitative record review conducted at the EMW of a regional acute hospital in Hong Kong from January 2009 to June 2009.

Results: During the study, a retrospective audit was conducted on 1834 patient records.