Thu Sep 26 14:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Persons with Obesity Experience Longer Wait Times and Length of Stay in Ontario Emergency Departments
**Toronto, Canada** – A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that individuals with obesity (PwO) experience longer wait times and lengths of stay in Ontario emergency departments compared to matched controls. The research, conducted by a team of researchers from York University and Wharton Medical Clinic, analyzed data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) between 2018 and 2022.
The study found that PwO had an average of 4.8 minutes longer wait time for a physician initial assessment and 3.56 hours longer length of stay in the emergency department, even after adjusting for factors like sex, age, main diagnosis, responsibility for payment, income, and area.
Furthermore, the study discovered that PwO were more likely to be assigned a less urgent triage score compared to controls, suggesting a potential bias in how their needs are perceived by healthcare professionals. While the study cannot definitively determine the cause of this disparity, it highlights concerns regarding weight bias and the potential for PwO to be overlooked in urgent situations.
“The lower priority triage scores could be due in part to healthcare professionals attributing complaints, signs, and symptoms of PwO to obesity, rather than a potential underlying condition,” explains Dr. Parisa Mirzadeh, lead author of the study. “This could result in delayed assessment and care, leading to longer wait times and ultimately poorer outcomes for PwO.”
The findings of this study raise concerns about the need for improved bariatric healthcare preparedness and awareness within Ontario’s emergency departments. The researchers emphasize the importance of further investigation into the underlying reasons for these disparities and the potential impact on clinical outcomes.
“This study highlights the urgent need for a bariatric-friendly healthcare system with specialized equipment and training to ensure that PwO receive appropriate and timely care,” concludes Dr. Ardern, senior author of the study. “Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure equitable access to healthcare and improve outcomes for all patients, regardless of their weight.”
This research adds to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the significant health disparities faced by PwO within the Canadian healthcare system. It serves as a call to action for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and institutions to address weight bias and ensure equitable care for all individuals.
First Piper 