The expectations and perceptions of ED patients.

Patients expect staff to treat them as individuals, listen to their concerns, provide reassurance, and provide updates on what is happening at all stages of their ED visit, including expected delays, investigations, results, and treatments. Patients do not expect to wait to see a physician once they are brought back to the treatment area. Patients expect to be given an accurate wait time estimate at triage. Patients expect high-quality care in the emergency department. Patients expect a definitive diagnosis. Patients want their physicians to like them.