A time-motion study on impact of spatial separation for empiric airborne precautions in emergency department length of stay.

Aims: To evaluate the impact of spatial separation on patient flow in the emergency department.

Design: This was a retrospective, time-and-motion analysis conducted from 15 to 22 August, 2022 at the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. During this duration, spatial separation was implemented in critical and semi-critical zones to separate patients with symptoms of respiratory infections into respiratory area, and patients without into non-respiratory area.

Impact of spatial separation for respiratory patients on emergency department flow process intervals and length of stay.

Background: Spatial separation in emergency departments (EDs) is empirically practised as part of transmission-based precaution. Despite its potential benefits in segregating potentially infectious patients, the effects of spatial separation on patient flow remain uncertain.

Aim: To explore the impact of spatial separation on ED patient flow and to identify specific clinical factors and flow process intervals (FPIs) influencing ED length of stay (EDLOS).