Improving Patient Flow in Emergency Departments
Author Information
Author(s): Oredsson Sven, Jonsson Håkan, Rognes Jon, Lind Lars, Göransson Katarina E, Ehrenberg Anna, Asplund Kjell, Castrén Maaret, Farrohknia Nasim
Hypothesis
Which interventions improve patient flow in emergency departments?
Conclusion
Introducing fast track for patients with less severe symptoms results in shorter waiting time, shorter length of stay, and fewer patients leaving without being seen.
Supporting Evidence
- Fast track significantly reduces waiting time and length of stay for patients.
- Team triage likely decreases the number of patients leaving without being seen.
- Streaming patients based on severity did not show strong evidence for improving flow.
Takeaway
This study looked at ways to help patients get seen faster in emergency rooms. It found that having a special fast track for less serious cases helps a lot.
Methodology
A systematic literature search was conducted, and studies were assessed for relevance and quality, focusing on those with control groups.
Potential Biases
Variability in staffing and patient selection may affect the results.
Limitations
Some studies had low quality and relevance, and many did not report on patient safety outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Adult patients (≥15 years of age) visiting emergency departments.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website