Reducing emergency room wait times has been the goal of administrators at facilities both large and small. While it’s impossible to predict the unique mix of daily admissions, there are ways to combat the frustrating that greet many emergency room visitors. Focus energy into solving problems that are under your control in order to better accommodate the waiting patients.
Instructions
1. Triage in an effective manner. Effective triage is essential to a smooth patient flow in the . The goal of triage should be to categorize health problems as well as direct traffic flow. Triage personnel should be well trained in order to properly assign patients to the attending staff. Increased patient wait times often occur due to poor triage practices. Chief complaints should be carefully documented along with any other essential subjective patient information.
2. Encourage patients to use the only for emergencies. Although a hangnail in the middle of the night may be painful, it doesn’t warrant a trip to the emergency room. Emergency rooms are often filled with cases that are better suited for other facilities such as private offices. Let patients know their treatment priority once they’re triaged. Explain that the emergency room isn’t the place for routine visits or checkups. Direct patients to appropriate health care facilities to ensure the emergency doesn’t become overcrowded with inappropriate cases.
3. Ensure adequate staffing. The ratio of staff to patient shouldn’t be overwhelming. Since emergency room work is already fast paced, it’s important to avoid overworking the staff. For example, a single doctor and nurse can’t seat and treat a room full of patients within 1 hour. Utilize call rosters or extra help from other wards whenever appropriate. If understaffing is a continuous issue, permanently hire more staff to keep up with patient demand for services. Don’t let the patients suffer through long wait times due to inadequate staffing levels.
4. Offer incentives for quick service. Keep track of the amount and classification of treated patients. Set goals for efficient service for the emergency room staff. Encourage the staff to work in an efficient manner at all times because emergency rooms are unpredictable. A lull during one period could be followed by a sudden spike of admissions during the next period. Patrol front desk and treatment areas to ensure that all staff members are actively working or preparing for the next patient.
5. Train each staff member. Each staff member should understand the purpose of optimal emergency room work flow. Wait times can be reduced once everyone is aware and capable of their duties. For example, personnel should ensure that patients know their destinations instead of allowing them to wander the hallways. Valuable time is often lost attempting to locate patients for procedures or instructions.
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