Assessment of Emergency Department Key Performance Indicators about Surge Response Actions Across Three Periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in an Italian Hospital

Introduction: At the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, Italian emergency departments (EDs) had to hastily implement current surge response plans or create new ones. The objectives this study are quantitatively assess ED performance improvements between selected non-pandemic and pandemic periods at Sant’Anna hospital in Como, Italy, relate these adopted adapted actions. Method: average length stay (LOS), time-to-physician initial assessment (TPIA) left-without-being seen (LWBS) rates were calculated during two prior then three COVID (C-ED) dedicated treat patients, COVID-free (NC-ED) all other patients. Then quantitative data analysis based on hypothesis testing was performed. A qualitative theme subtheme Hospital Surge Preparedness Response Index (HSPRI) performed baseline strategies before each period actions implemented subsequent period. Results: LOS increased across periods, while TPIA decreased first comparison pre-pandemic periods. NC-ED lower than C-ED LOS, LWBS with an increasing trend towards levels last Of 20 action items listed HSPRI, six period, eight second one third. Conclusion: useful indicators rapidly obtain overview but failed provide exhaustive because depends countless external internal variables. Close collaboration leaders healthcare agencies is critical respond a surge.