Comparison of Emergency Department Boarders Managed by a Critical Care Consult Service versus Standard Care

This study aimed to compare the management of critically ill patients boarding in the emergency department (ED) by a critical care consult team versus standard care, specifically evaluating the rate of downgrades in admission level of care. The findings revealed that patients managed by the consult team had a significantly higher downgrade rate despite presenting with greater acuity, suggesting that ED-based critical care physicians may enhance the identification of patients appropriate for lower levels of care. However, no differences were observed in lengths of stay across ED, ICU, or hospital settings, potentially indicating systemic issues with bed availability.