How to Improve Emergency Department Patient Flow

Looking for a solution on how to improve patient flow?

A case study done at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan discusses their new strategy that improves patient flow by decreasing the amount of time they spend in the waiting room.

Their strategy is called a "straight back triage policy", under this system the patient is sent to one of three different treatment areas:

1. Adult and Pediatric Emergent Care
2. Adult and Pediatric Urgent Care
3. Adult and Pediatric Non-Urgent or Prompt Care

Implementing this solution resulting in the following in the Emergency Department:

• Prioritized patient care needs according to severity of illness.
• Assured a prompt initial primary survey of all patients by a health care professional.
• Promoted patient safety.
• Facilitated expeditious care.
• Improved public relations and promote effective communication with patients/significant others.

To view the full solution as well as other solutions to help your Emergency Department, please go to the following link: Improving Emergency Department Patient Flow

*We are not affiliated nor endorsed by William Beaumont Hospital. The Urgent Matters article is used with permission on our website.