What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate trends in ambulance offload delays and emergency department length of stay following COVID-19.

April 5, 2026Open Access

Declining Ambulance Offload Delays and Stabilised Emergency Department Length of Stay Post-COVID: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis

ESEdward StaceyMonash University LHLiam HemingwayMonash University GBGabriel BlecherPeninsula Health

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate trends in ambulance offload delays and emergency department length of stay following COVID-19.
Interrupted time series analysis comparing pre-COVID and post-COVID data
Assessment of ambulance offload delays and emergency department length of stay
Investigating the effectiveness of targeted interventions like dedicated offload staff
Ambulance offload delays are now below pre-COVID levels
Emergency department length of stay for admitted patients remains elevated
Need for targeted interventions to reduce emergency department crowding

Abstract

Although ambulance offload delays have improved, now below pre-COVID counterfactual levels, emergency department length of stay remains elevated particularly for admitted patients. Targeted interventions such as dedicated offload staff, real-time bed management, and streamlined discharge pathways are needed to address persistent emergency department crowding.

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