scholarly journals The Sydney triage to admission risk tool (START) to improve patient flow in an emergency department: a model of care implementation pilot study

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Ebker-White ◽  
Kendall J. Bein ◽  
Saartje Berendsen Russell ◽  
Michael M. Dinh
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Patient Admission ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Early Assessment ◽  
Pilot Implementation

Abstract Background The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) is a validated clinical analytics tool designed to estimate the probability of in-patient admission based on Emergency Department triage characteristics. Methods This was a single centre pilot implementation study using a matched case control sample of patients assessed at ED triage. Patients in the intervention group were identified at triage by the START tool as likely requiring in-patient admission and briefly assessed by an ED Consultant. Bed management were notified of these patients and their likely admitting team based on senior early assessment. Matched controls were identified on the same day of presentation if they were admitted to the same in-patient teams as patients in the intervention group and same START score category. Outcomes were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly classified as an in-patient admission by the START tool. Results One hundred and thirteen patients were assessed using the START-based model of care. When compared with matched control patients, this intervention model of care was associated with a significant reduction in ED length of stay [301 min (IQR 225–397) versus 423 min (IQR 297–587) p < 0.001] and proportion of patients meeting 4 h length of stay thresholds increased from 24 to 45% (p < 0.001). Conclusion In this small pilot implementation study, the START tool, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with a reduction in ED length of stay. Further controlled studies are now underway to further examine its utility across other ED settings.

scholarly journals The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in an Emergency Department: A model of care implementation pilot study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Ebker-White ◽  
Kendall Bein ◽  
Saartje Berendsen Russell ◽  
Michael Dinh
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Patient Admission ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Early Assessment ◽  
Pilot Implementation

Abstract Background The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) is a validated clinical analytics tool designed to estimate the probability of in-patient admission based on Emergency Department triage characteristics. Methods This was a single centre pilot implementation study using a matched case control sample of patients assessed at ED triage. Patients in the intervention group were identified at triage by the START tool as likely requiring in-patient admission and briefly assessed by an ED Consultant. Bed management were notified of these patients and their likely admitting team based on senior early assessment. Matched controls were identified on the same day of presentation if they were admitted to the same in-patient teams as patients in the intervention group and same START score category. Outcomes were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly classified as an in-patient admission by the START tool. Results One hundred and thirteen patients were assessed using the START-based model of care. When compared with matched control patients, this intervention model of care was associated with a significant reduction in ED length of stay [301 minutes (IQR 225-397) versus 423 minutes (IQR 297-587) p<0.001] and proportion of patients meeting four hour length of stay thresholds increased from 24% to 45% (p<0.001). Conclusion In this small pilot implementation study, the START tool, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with a reduction in ED length of stay. Further controlled studies are now underway to further examine its utility across other ED settings.

scholarly journals The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in an Emergency Department: A model of care implementation pilot study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Ebker-White ◽  
Kendall Bein ◽  
Saartje Berendsen Russell ◽  
Michael Dinh
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Patient Admission ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Early Assessment ◽  
Pilot Implementation

Abstract Background The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) is a validated clinical analytics tool designed to estimate the probability of in-patient admission based on Emergency Department triage characteristics.Methods This was a single centre pilot implementation study using a matched case control sample of patients assessed at ED triage. Patients in the intervention group were identified at triage by the START tool as likely requiring in-patient admission and briefly assessed by an ED Consultant. Bed management were notified of these patients and their likely admitting team based on senior early assessment. Matched controls were identified on the same day of presentation if they were admitted to the same in-patient teams as patients in the intervention group and same START score category. Outcomes were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly classified as an in-patient admission by the START tool.Results One hundred and thirteen patients were assessed using the START-based model of care. When compared with matched control patients, this intervention model of care was associated with a significant reduction in ED length of stay [301 minutes (IQR 225-397) versus 423 minutes (IQR 297-587) p<0.001] and proportion of patients meeting four hour length of stay thresholds increased from 24% to 45% (p<0.001).Conclusion In this small pilot implementation study, the START tool, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with a reduction in ED length of stay. Further controlled studies are now underway to further examine its utility across other ED settings.

scholarly journals The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) to improve patient flow in an Emergency Department: A model of care implementation pilot study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Ebker-White ◽  
Kendall Bein ◽  
Saartje Berendsen Russell ◽  
Michael Dinh
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Patient Admission ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Early Assessment ◽  
Pilot Implementation

Abstract Background: The Sydney Triage to Admission Risk Tool (START) is a validated clinical analytics tool designed to estimate the probability of in-patient admission based on Emergency Department triage characteristics. Methods: This was a single centre pilot implementation study using a matched case control sample of patients assessed at ED triage. Patients in the intervention group were identified at triage by the START tool as likely requiring in-patient admission and briefly assessed by an ED Consultant. Bed management were notified of these patients and their likely admitting team based on senior early assessment. Matched controls were identified on the same day of presentation if they were admitted to the same in-patient teams as patients in the intervention group and same START score category. Outcomes were ED length of stay and proportion of patients correctly classified as an in-patient admission by the START tool. Results: One hundred and thirteen patients were assessed using the START-based model of care. When compared with matched control patients, this intervention model of care was associated with a significant reduction in ED length of stay [301 minutes (IQR 225-397) versus 423 minutes (IQR 297-587) p<0.001] and proportion of patients meeting four hour length of stay thresholds increased from 24% to 45% (p<0.001). Conclusion: In this small pilot implementation study, the START tool, when used in conjunction with senior early assessment was associated with a reduction in ED length of stay. Further controlled studies are now underway to further examine its utility across other ED settings.

scholarly journals Emergency Department Patient Flow: The Influence of Hospital Census Variables on Emergency Department Length of Stay

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 597-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ray Lucas ◽  
Heather Farley ◽  
Joseph Twanmoh ◽  
Andrej Urumov ◽  
Nils Olsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Emergency Department Patient

scholarly journals Specialized fast track: a sustainable model to improve emergency department patient flow

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 40
Author(s):  
Emilpaolo Manno ◽  
Marco Pesce ◽  
Umberto Stralla ◽  
Federico Festa ◽  
Silvio Geninatti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Fast Track ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Emergency Department Patient ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Time Length ◽  
Hospital Units ◽  
Ed Visits

Objective: Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a hospital-wide problem that demands a whole-hospital solution. We developed and implemented a fast track model for streaming ED patients with low-acuity illness or injury to specialized care areas (gynecology-obstetrics, orthopedics-trauma, pediatrics, and primary care) staffed by existing specialist resources with access to general ED services. The study aim was to determine whether streaming of ED visits into specialized fast track areas increased operational efficiency and improved patient flow in a mixed adult and pediatric ED without incurring extra costs.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the ED discharge records of patients who were mainstreamed or fast tracked during the 3-year period from 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2012. ED visits were identified according to a five-level triage scheme; performance indicators were compared for: wait time, length of stay, leave before being seen and revisit rates.Results: A reduction in wait time, length of stay, and leave before being seen rate was seen with fast track streaming (p < .01). These improvements were achieved without additional medical and nurse staffing.Conclusions: Specialized fast track streaming helped us meet patients’ care needs and contain costs. Lower-acuity patients were seen quickly by a specialist and safely discharged or admitted to the hospital without diverting resources from patients with high-acuity illness or injury. Involvement of all stakeholders in seeking a sustainable solution to ED crowding as a hospital-wide problem was key to enhancing cooperation between the ED and the hospital units.

scholarly journals LO007: A pragmatic randomized and controlled evaluation of nurse-initiated protocols

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S32-S32
Author(s):  
M.J. Douma ◽  
D. O Dochartiagh ◽  
C.A. Drake ◽  
K.E. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Emergency Nurses ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Patient Allocation ◽  
Ed Overcrowding ◽  
Controlled Evaluation

Introduction: Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a common and complicated challenge for EDs worldwide. Nurse-initiated protocols, diagnostics and/or treatments implemented by nurses prior to patients being seen by a physician or nurse practitioner, have been suggested as a potential strategy to improve patient flow. Methods: This randomized, pragmatic, controlled evaluation of 5 nurse-initiated protocols occured in a crowded inner-city ED. Six physicians and 44 registered nurses, 3 clinical nurse educators and 3 unit managers were involved in revising 5 patient-complaint focused protocols prior to evaluation. Thirty (30/180) emergency nurses were provided 1 hour of training on inclusion and exclusion criteria, procedure and evaluation methods. Data was abstracted in a manner concealing patient allocation. Primary outcomes evaluated included time to diagnostic test, treatment, consultation or ED length of stay. This evaluation was completed following both the CONSORT and SQUIRE guidelines. Results: Time to acetaminophen for the intervention group (n=11) was 1h:04 min on average (95%CI 30min to 1h:37min) whereas the control group (n=9) was 3h:35min (95%CI 2h:21min to 4h:48min). The average length of stay of a suspected fractured-hip in the intervention group (n=5) was 3h:34min (95%CI 1h:49min to 5h:19min) and 7h:34min for the control group (n=4) was (95%CI 5h:26min to 9h:42min). Time to troponin in the intervention group (n=29) was one quarter (average 48min, 95% CI 32min to 64min) of the time it was in the control group (n=14) (average 3h:16min, 95%CI 1h:53min to 4h:39min; p < 0.001). The vaginal bleeding in pregnancy protocol reduced length of stay by roughly fifty-percent; the intervention group (n=11) had a length of stay of 4h:57min (95%CI 3h:46min to 6h:08min) compared to 8h:33min (95% CI 6h:23min to 10h:44min) for the control (n=7) (p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in the length of stay for patients who received protocolized diagnostics for abdominal pain. Conclusion: Targeting specific patient groups with carefully written protocols can improve the timeliness of care. A cooperative and collaborative interdisciplinary group are essential to success. Having a system in place to ensure ongoing quality in protocol application and interdisciplinary support has proven more difficult than improving the primary outcomes in this evaluation.

scholarly journals Changing inpatient diabetes care in a district general hospital

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-52
Author(s):  
Marie Wallner ◽  
Basharat Andrabi ◽  
David Russell-Jones ◽  
Roselle Herring
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
District General Hospital ◽  
Model Of Care ◽  
Lengths Of Stay ◽  
Inpatient Diabetes ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Service Redesign ◽  
Evidence Based Care

Introduction: People with diabetes in hospital have longer lengths of stay and are at higher risk of experiencing avoidable harm. This has a significant impact on patient flow and capacity in any hospital Trust.Aims and Methods: A Trust-wide peripatetic inpatient diabetes service redesign was performed to deliver reduced medication errors, improved patient flow, reduced length of stay and reduced inpatient risk. The service redesign was delivered without new recurring expenditure on senior staff. The model of care was multidisciplinary and introduced consensus and evidence-based care with clear governance processes.Results: Following introduction of the new service on 7 December 2017 to 1 June 2018, a reduction in length of stay in both medicine and surgical divisions was seen with 2,168 ‘saved’ inpatient bed days compared with the same time period in the preceding year, which represented a significant cost saving for the Trust and improvement in patient flow. This was associated with a reduction in the number of diabetes-related Datix reports and serious untoward incidents.Conclusions: This is the first major diabetes service redesign in a small district general hospital. The introduction of a dedicated inpatient diabetes service has led to Trust-wide improvements in patient care and patient flow without additional cost to the Trust.

scholarly journals THE EFFECT OF A BOARDING RESTRICTION PROTOCOL ON EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT CROWDING

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ji Hwan Lee ◽  
Ji Hoon Kim ◽  
Incheol Park ◽  
Hyun Sim Lee ◽  
Joon Min Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Primary Outcome ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Hospital Beds ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Day Of The Week ◽  
Ed Crowding ◽  
Post Period

ABSTRACT Background Access block due to a lack of hospital beds causes emergency department (ED) crowding. We initiated the boarding restriction protocol that limits ED length of stay (LOS) for patients awaiting hospitalization to 24 hours from arrival. This study aimed to determine the effect of the protocol on ED crowding. Method This was a pre-post comparative study to compare ED crowding before and after protocol implementation. The primary outcome was the red stage fraction with more than 71 occupying patients in the ED (severe crowding level). LOS in the ED, treatment time and boarding time were compared. Additionally, the pattern of boarding patients staying in the ED according to the day of the week was confirmed. Results Analysis of the number of occupying patients in the ED, measured at 10-minute intervals, indicated a decrease from 65.0 (51.0-79.0) to 55.0 (43.0-65.0) in the pre- and post-periods, respectively (p<0.0001). The red stage fraction decreased from 38.9% to 15.1% of the pre- and post-periods, respectively (p<0.0001). The proportion beyond the goal of this protocol of 24 hours decreased from 7.6% to 4.0% (p<0.0001). The ED LOS of all patients was similar: 238.2 (134.0-465.2) and 238.3 (136.9-451.2) minutes in the pre- and post-periods, respectively. In admitted patients, ED LOS decreased from 770.7 (421.4-1587.1) to 630.2 (398.0-1156.8) minutes (p<0.0001); treatment time increased from 319.6 (198.5-482.8) to 344.7 (213.4-519.5) minutes (p<0.0001); and boarding time decreased from 298.9 (109.5-1149.0) to 204.1 (98.7-545.7) minutes (p<0.0001). In the pre-period, boarding patients accumulated in the ED on weekdays, with the accumulation resolved on Fridays; this pattern was alleviated in the post-period. Conclusions The protocol effectively resolved excessive ED crowding by alleviating the accumulation of boarding patients in the ED on weekdays. Additional studies should be conducted on changes this protocol brings to patient flow hospital-wide.

scholarly journals Length of stay as quality indicator in emergency departments: analysis of determinants in the German Emergency Department Data Registry (AKTIN registry)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronny Otto ◽  
Sabine Blaschke ◽  
Wiebke Schirrmeister ◽  
Susanne Drynda ◽  
Felix Walcher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Emergency Departments ◽  
Patient Flow ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Emergency Department Data ◽  
Data Registry

AbstractSeveral indicators reflect the quality of care within emergency departments (ED). The length of stay (LOS) of emergency patients represents one of the most important performance measures. Determinants of LOS have not yet been evaluated in large cohorts in Germany. This study analyzed the fixed and influenceable determinants of LOS by evaluating data from the German Emergency Department Data Registry (AKTIN registry). We performed a retrospective evaluation of all adult (age ≥ 18 years) ED patients enrolled in the AKTIN registry for the year 2019. Primary outcome was LOS for the whole cohort; secondary outcomes included LOS stratified by (1) patient-related, (2) organizational-related and (3) structure-related factors. Overall, 304,606 patients from 12 EDs were included. Average LOS for all patients was 3 h 28 min (95% CI 3 h 27 min–3 h 29 min). Regardless of other variables, patients admitted to hospital stayed 64 min longer than non-admitted patients. LOS increased with patients’ age, was shorter for walk-in patients compared to medical referral, and longer for non-trauma presenting complaints. Relevant differences were also found for acuity level, day of the week, and emergency care levels. We identified different factors influencing the duration of LOS in the ED. Total LOS was dependent on patient-related factors (age), disease-related factors (presentation complaint and triage level), and organizational factors (weekday and admitted/non-admitted status). These findings are important for the development of management strategies to optimize patient flow through the ED and thus to prevent overcrowding.

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