Establish a “fast-track” area for patients with the lowest acuity scores, enabling them to be treated and released faster while also allowing the team to focus more time on higher-acuity patients.
Create more capacity during peak times using vertical flow, a split flow model that replaces traditional ED beds with recliners for patients with lower acuity scores (ESI-3 or lower). The use of recliners increases capacity and reduces length of stay for these patients.
Use a coordinator who is empowered to expedite and facilitate the movement of patients through the ED to reduce length of stay and percent of patients who leave without being seen.
“The daily challenges that we face in the ED — the crowding, the time pressure, the unpredictable flow of patients — pushes us as a discipline to be flexible, creative and innovative. That’s just one thing that’s exciting about working in emergency medicine.”