Emergency departments have been experiencing a significant strain for a long time, with visits only increasing. With the rise in flu, COVID-19 and RSV cases, in addition to an increase in psychiatric symptoms, emergency wait times can be agonizing. A place that is supposed to be known for its immediate access to care has instead become known for its stressful and harrowing delays. 

Even with the holiday season behind us – a time that is typically known for longer wait times – we’re seeing a trend that these wait times are getting worse in general. For patients seeking urgent care, these delays can be excruciating, causing unnecessary anxiety and potentially worsening their health conditions.  

These situations are not only stressful for patients, though. They’re tough on clinicians too. The issues with emergency operations significantly contribute to an already strained hospital system, plagued with staffing shortages and physician burnout. However, artificial intelligence (AI) holds the power to change this cycle, potentially making long emergency wait times a thing of the past.