Other current and future research projects involve investigating whether working in a FEC can prevent physician burnout and whether converting critical access hospitals to FECs can help keep emergency care local when a community is losing its failing hospital. Michael Sarabia, MD, FACEP, Councilor for the ACEP FEC Section, has performed research (publication pending) showing that working in FECs not only could improve job satisfaction for emergency physicians but also could improve career longevity and prevent burnout. This may be especially true for owner/operators of independent FECs where they are not burdened with many of the common frustrations as they choose their own electronic health record system and hire and train their own support staff instead of having the inevitable frustration of having both chosen for them.
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ACEP Now: Vol 34 – No 04 – April 2015Emergency department overcrowding, failing grades for “access to care,” physician burnout, and a future physician shortage are all problems we face as emergency physicians.8 FECs may represent part of the solution, and the FEC Section invites anyone interested in the dialogue to join the conversation.
The FEC Section is actively working to address these concerns with research. The FEC model brings solutions, and enthusiastic ACEP members are dedicated to making emergency medicine better for our patients, our communities, and emergency physicians.
References
- ACEP Freestanding Emergency Centers Section. Available at: http://www.acep.org/freestandingcenters. Accessed March 19, 2015.
- FEC Section Operational Guidelines. Available at: http://www.acep.org/Content.aspx?id=99552. Accessed March 19, 2015.
- State Association of Freestanding ERs. FAQs about freestanding EDs. Available at: http://www.safertx.org/faqs. Accessed March 19, 2015.
- Wiler J, Fite DL, Freess D, et al. Freestanding emergency departments: an information paper. Available at: http://www.acep.org/uploadedFiles/ACEP/Practice_Resources/issues_by_category/administration/Freestanding Emergency Departments 0713.pdf. Accessed March 19, 2015.
- Simon EL, Griffin P, Medepalli K, et al. Door-to-balloon times from freestanding emergency departments meet ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction reperfusion guidelines. J Emerg Med. 2014:46:734-40.
- Simon EL, Medepalli K, Williams CJ, et al. Freestanding emergency departments and the trauma patient. J Emerg Med. 2015;48:152-157.
- Simon EL. The impact of two freestanding emergency departments on a tertiary care center. J Emerg Med. 2012;43:1127-1131.
- Goldberg R, Boss RW, Chan L, et al. Burnout and its correlates in emergency physicians: four years’ experience with a wellness booth. J Emerg Med. 1996;3:1156-1164.
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4 Responses to “Opinion: Freestanding Emergency Centers Increase Access to Care, Decrease Physician Burnout”
April 18, 2015
R Joe Ybarra MDWe realize that this “opinion” was slanted to the objective vs subjective side of all possible responses. I’ll admit, when I read Hellsterns piece I was “pissed”(I’m from East LA, something hard wired to react). My original piece was pretty venomous but I asked John to help me tone in down and what you read is the final back and forth.
I think we should always take the high road if we are going to differentiate and integrate with what’s right for emergency medicine.
Certainly I hope, as a representative for the Section, I haven’t insulted or disappointed those in the group that wanted a swift and effective rebuttal for the mis-representation that was proffered by our esteemed colleague. I did try to query the groups opinion through the e-list and other sources.
Please feel free in this comment section to express the scope of what was not expressed in this subdued version. The truth of our value will unfold with time, and we carry the torch.
Humbly submitted.
Joe Ybarra MD
April 26, 2015
kelly turner mdhaving gone from the level 1 trauma center in fort worth to the free standing er, from 16-20 8 hour shifts to 8 24 hours shifts averaging 15-20 pts a shift, I will only work 1-2 shifts in the Hospital ER setting so as not to lose skills, but will NEVER work full time in the trenches again. I was seeking my sanity when I found the FEC setting and it literally saved my professional life. imagine a setting where you can actually spend time with a patient, get to know them, have them come back specifically because of you, and genuinely APPRECIATE you for what you do. yes, there are still some attempted free loaders, but they are quickly identified and told not to come back. yeah and the admin backs that up. LOVE MY JOB NOW!
April 26, 2015
John Johnson, MDCongratulations on achieving Section status and a well written summary of the FEC issue. I was on the ACEP board when Pam Bensen and I championed the concept of Sections of Membership to reflect special interest – and it was summarily trounced by the argument that ALL emergency physicians are created equal. Fortunately, the counsel and board later saw the wisdom in the opportunity for special interest groups and it has done well for the membership and the college.
As I noted in my comments to Ron’s opening piece on the topic – FECs and Urgent Care both have their place. I spoke with some young entrepreneurs who had FECs in TX and were anticipating AZ – wonderful physicians with a good business model. When hospitals, medical staffs and emergency physicians can work cooperatively – so be it. But many hospitals and their medical staffs have this indentured servitude concept for ye olde ER doc, and alternatives should exist. Best to keep an ER doc doing & enjoying emergency medicine for the benefit of our patients than to have frustration end what was anticipated to be a rewarding career.
October 7, 2015
MD premierHi R. Joe Ybarra,
Thank you for sharing this article.Reading this makes me think about the difference in the types of services they offer and the work hours of Freestanding ER’s and Hospital ER’s.