Researchers studied throughput of nontraumatic adult patients who presented to a medical center ED between 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday to Sunday for eight months in 2011. The researchers created peer pressure by announcing each emergency physician’s patient discharge rate in monthly email reminders.
Before the email announcements — from June 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2011 — the eight-hour discharge rate was 48.2 percent. After the peer pressure intervention — from Oct. 1, 2011 to Jan. 30, 2011 — the discharge rate was 53.3 percent. The increased discharge rate was more pronounced for triage level III patients.
In addition, patients with a final discharge disposition had a length of stay of 140.4 minutes after the intervention compared with 158.3 minutes before intervention.
More Articles on Patient Flow:
Study: Scheduling Changes Cut Pediatric Appointment Wait Times by 85%
7 Ways Nurses Can Help Shorten Hospital Length of Stay
Joint Commission Publishes Report on Updated Patient Flow Standards
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
