Assess its transferability to determine Emergency. Department staffing levels in this country Due to the nature of the Beaumont report, and the fact that it is predominantly presented as a memo, transferability of the outcomes to EDs nationally would not be feasible. However, there are a number of points highlighted in the report that may be a starting point for discussion on safe staffing in EDs; it should be noted that there is no indication of an empirical approach to the development of this evidence and hence the interpretation, at the very least, needs to be treated with caution. It is however, worthwhile to discuss the outcomes in the report in comparison to international evidence. • Reconfiguration of space was highlighted in the report, in particular space associated with the triage area. The environment in which ED staff work is important. Although there is no evidence base published to date on the association between staffing and the physical layout of EDs, unpublished NICE guidelines have recommended that the physical layout of EDs are taken into consideration when ascertaining staff numbers. Likewise, the recently published Interim Report of the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix for Nursing (DoH 2016), also recognises the importance of factoring in geographical layout when deciding on the optimal nurse staffing levels. • The addition of non-clinical staff – e.g. ECG support, security etc. were highlighted as one recommendation in the memo. Non-clinical staff can have an impact on reducing non-clinical duties of ED staff. Use of other staff such as ECG technicians and HCAs in ED has been advanced; however, the impact of these non-clinical roles on either staff or patient outcomes has not been evaluated or reported in the literature. • The Beaumont memo noted that IT systems should be reconfigured. There is no evidence in the literature on IT systems and workforce in EDs; however, that is not to say that there are benefits in considering the use of space and patient surveillance. This is particularly pertinent to EDs whereby the efficient use of technology, for example, can release additional time for patient care. • The memo reported on issues identified with admitted/boarded patients who were waiting to be admitted from ED to the main hospital and questions regarding the members of staff who should deliver their care. The INMO in the memo suggested that patients waiting admission from ED should be cared for at the same staffing levels as those on medical or surgical wards. • The memo highligh...
