Improving Rural Emergency Departments: A Vital Necessity

The Critical Role of Rural Emergency Departments

Did you know that 42% of emergency departments (EDs) in the U.S. are located in rural areas? These EDs are often the primary access point for both emergency and primary care in rural communities, serving populations that tend to be older, sicker, and more vulnerable than urban counterparts.

Because rural EDs handle some of the highest patient volumes in hospitals, optimizing efficiency, patient flow, and safety is essential to improving health outcomes and maintaining high-quality care.

Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Emergency Departments

To address these challenges, the Convergence Hospital Quality Improvement Collaborative (HQIC) hosted listening sessions with Patient and Family Partners, State Hospital Associations, and rural hospital staff members. From these discussions, Convergence developed a comprehensive Emergency Department Improvement Toolkit that includes:

• Real-world solutions shared by hospitals.

• Actionable strategies tailored for rural settings.

• Best practices based on research and hospital experiences.

Key Focus Areas for Rural ED Improvement

Here are six critical opportunities that can enhance emergency department performance:

1. Patient Experience

Positive patient experiences increase trust, adherence to treatment, and overall satisfaction. Patient and family feedback is essential for creating patient-centered care models that improve health outcomes.

2. Transitions of Care

Seamless transitions between EDs, primary care, and specialty providers can:

• Reduce hospital readmissions.

• Improve continuity of care.

• Enhance patient understanding of care plans.

3. Communication

Clear communication among providers, patients, and families is essential for:

• Accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Reducing medical errors.

• Ensuring effective follow-up care.

4. Social Drivers of Health (SDOH)

Addressing social determinants of health—such as transportation, housing, and social support—can significantly impact patient access and outcomes. Rural EDs that integrate SDOH considerations into care plans can improve long-term health results.

5. Patient-Centered Optimization

Tailoring care to meet individual patient needs results in:

• Higher patient engagement.

• Better satisfaction and trust.

• More effective treatment outcomes.

6. Violence Prevention

EDs should implement violence prevention strategies to protect both staff and patients. A secure environment enhances staff efficiency, patient experience, and overall hospital safety.

Take Action: How Rural Hospitals Can Improve EDs

These six key areas are interconnected, and improving one aspect often benefits the others. Rural hospitals can use the Convergence toolkit to explore new approaches, address barriers, and enhance emergency department efficiency.

Reflection Questions for Your Hospital Team

As you explore the Convergence Emergency Department Improvement Toolkit, consider:

• Which improvement area is most critical for your hospital?

• How can addressing SDOH improve patient outcomes in rural EDs?

• Which strategies from the toolkit could be implemented in your hospital today?

• How can your hospital team collaborate to enhance patient safety and clinical quality?

How Convergence Health Can Support Your Hospital

At Convergence Health, we offer a suite of services tailored to state hospital networks and individual hospitals. Let’s work together to enhance rural emergency care and improve patient outcomes.

📩 Interested in partnering with Convergence Health? Contact Kim Werkmeister at kwerkmeister@convergencehealth.org to learn more!