Emergency room wait times in France have significantly increased over the past decade, with patients now averaging 45 minutes longer per visit. In 2023, half of all patients spent over three hours in the ER, and elderly individuals faced the longest delays. Additionally, the rate of hospital admissions post-ER visit has declined, attributed to fewer hospital beds and changing medical practices. A growing number of patients are also turning to ERs due to challenges in securing other medical appointments.
Rising Wait Times in Emergency Rooms Over a Decade
Over the past ten years, the clock has ticked faster for patients visiting emergency rooms. Recent data reveals that the average duration of stays in these critical care units has escalated, with a notable increase of forty-five minutes in the median length of visits, as reported by the Statistical Directorate of the Social Ministries (Drees) on March 19.
This comprehensive barometer analyzes a typical day across 719 emergency services in France, focusing specifically on June 13, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. the following morning. When compared to a similar day a decade ago, the findings highlight a significant trend. Drees notes that while the length of visits can vary based on individual patient circumstances, the overall trend of increasing wait times is undeniable.
Impact on Patients and Hospitalization Trends
In 2023, half of all patients who sought treatment in emergency services remained there for over three hours, a considerable increase from two hours and fifteen minutes recorded in 2013. Additionally, for the nearly 80% of patients who were discharged after their visit, the median stay was over two hours and thirty minutes—an increase of forty minutes since 2013.
Among the 11% of patients who were referred to another service directly from the emergency room, the median wait time extended to five hours and twenty minutes, marking a rise of one hour and twenty-five minutes compared to a decade ago. Furthermore, for the 5% of patients admitted to a short-stay hospitalization unit associated with the Emergency Department (UHCD), the median duration reached fourteen hours and fifty minutes, which is two hours and twenty minutes longer than before. Notably, elderly patients aged 75 and above are experiencing these delays the most, with 36% of them spending over eight hours in the emergency room, in contrast to 15% of the general population.
Dr. Marc Noizet, president of SAMU-Emergencies of France, emphasized that while patient visits to emergency rooms have not dramatically surged, the quality of care has declined. He stated, “The overall time taken for care in emergencies has increased by approximately 25%.” This observation suggests that while access may not be strained, the experience within these facilities has worsened.
Another crucial point raised by Drees is the decline in hospitalization rates following emergency room visits. In 2023, only 20% of patients were either admitted to UHCD or hospitalized in another unit, a drop from 23% in 2013. Factors contributing to this decline may include shifts in medical practices, variations in patient health conditions, and a diminishing number of available hospital beds. The statistics reveal a stark reality: over the last decade, the total number of full hospitalization beds has decreased by 11%, equating to 43,000 fewer beds available for patient care.
Lastly, the study indicates a growing trend of individuals turning to emergency rooms due to difficulties securing appointments elsewhere. In 2023, 21% of patients cited this issue as their reason for visiting, a significant increase from 13% in 2013.