Emergency department waiting room patient survey at the Calgary Health Region Adult Hospitals

Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a major concern in Calgary. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of ED waiting room patients, why they chose to come to the ED, why they wait for ED services, and what triage nurses and the Calgary Health Region (CHR) can do to enhance the waiting room experience, environment and safety for patients.;The research was a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted in 2007. The sample consisted of 150 ED waiting room patients in Calgary. The reasons why patients went to the ED were that they did not know what was wrong with them, they were told to go to the ED, and tests and services were available at the ED.;Patients reported that improved and better communication by triage nurses on wait times, an explanation as to why they are waiting and comfortable chairs are essential for improved waiting room conditions.