CHILDREN’S EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS WORK ORGANISATION: THE ASSUMPTIONS AND REALITY

Abstract

ED (Emergency Department) also known as A&E (Accident & Emergency Department) or ER (Emergency Room) is a highly specialised and well equipped medical facility within a hospital which, in assumptions, should provide every needed medical help to the most injured patients and all those whose condition do not allow to wait. Doctors who work in ED should be well educated, experienced and have the ability to work under high pressure but they also should be provided with every work comfort such us equipment, well trained personnel, resting place and time to make a decision that could save someone's life. Unfortunately, reality is different. How does it look in real life? Lots of paperwork, staff shortage, complying patients who try to force their unfounded demands and lack of time to think and sleep. This is an everyday work in ED. Also, constantly rising number of lawsuits and full responsibility for every action and medical records make this job extremely difficult and demanding. Are there any actions to take to improve work of Emergency Departments? Does the solution for such a problem exist? There are many questions to ask. In this article the authors give a brief view to a matter with a space to consider.