Lessons from the Field: How One Hospital Curbs Boarding

A Sign of the Times

I do have a concern with the recommendation to board patients in medical ward hallways. First, it is poor patient care, and with the government’s "value-based purchasing," program, which is based partially on patient satisfaction, hospitals stand to lose reimbursement if they are boarding patients in hallways (and EDs). ... [But] boarding patients in the hallways would send a glaring reminder to administrators walking through the wards that there is a problem.

Gordon Johnson, M.D., is the director of the inpatient medical service at Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham, Ore.. Dr. Johnson reported having no financial conflicts of interest.