Exploring the Role of Redirection to Reduce Pediatric Emergency Department Crowding

Abstract

Erica Qureshi was a semi-finalist in the 2026 UBC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Erica presented the research titled “Exploring the Role of Redirection to Reduce Pediatric Emergency Department Crowding.” Many children come to the pediatric emergency department (ED) for minor health problems. This can cause crowding, which means longer wait times, less satisfied families, and sometimes worse health outcomes. One possible solution is redirection programs, where children with non-urgent problems are offered an appointment with community healthcare professionals instead of waiting in the ED. Using a new set of inclusion criteria, Erica found almost one third of 2024 ED visits could be eligible for redirection and, if patients were redirected, the ED would run more smoothly. Erica Qureshi is completing their MD/PhD in Women+ and Children's Health Sciences in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology under the supervision of Dr. Quynh Doan. #3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience. For more information or to participate in UBC’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) visit https://3mt.grad.ubc.ca.