Impact of Walk-in Clinics and Structured Triage on Overcrowding in Emergency Departments

Overcrowding in Emergency Departments (EDs) is a growing crisis, straining healthcare resources and delaying critical care- often due to the influx of non-emergent patient visits. Addressing the impact of ED overcrowding on patient flow, wait times, and its consequences for critically ill patients is crucial for patient outcomes. The growing demand for emergency care, driven by non-urgent visits, contributes to delays in treatment, resource strain, and adverse outcomes for critically ill patients. This literature review utilizes a PICO framework to analyze the following research question: Among patients in overcrowded EDs, how does the implementation of hospital-integrated walk-in clinics and structured triage systems compared to traditional ED models affect wait times, resource allocation, and patient outcomes? A comprehensive search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE with keywords including emergency department overcrowding, non-urgent ED visits, wait times, and patient outcomes. Articles published from 2020-2025 were included, yielding over 2,000 results. Filters applied including peer-reviewed articles, within the United States, and interventions addressing ED wait times. Studies show that hospital-integrated walk-in clinics reduce low-acuity patients in the ED and mitigate delays for critical care patients. Additionally, alternative care models, interprofessional collaboration, structured triage, and operational adjustments have successfully alleviated ED congestion and improved patient outcomes. The project underscores the need for targeted interventions to streamline ED utilization, reduce wait times, and prioritize care for critically ill patients in urban settings.