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Benjamin E. The work of patient flow management: A grounded theory study of emergency nurses. Int Emerg Nurs 2024; 74:101457. [PMID: 38744106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current crisis of emergency department overcrowding demands novel approaches. Despite a growing body of patient flow literature, there is little understanding of the work of emergency nurses. This study explored how emergency nurses perform patient flow management. METHODS Constructivist grounded theory and situational analysis methodologies were used to examine the work of emergency nurses. Twenty-nine focus groups and interviews of 27 participants and 64 hours of participant observation across four emergency departments were conducted between August 2022 and February 2023. Data were analyzed using coding, constant comparative analysis, and memo-writing to identify emergent themes and develop a substantive theory. FINDINGS Patient flow management is the work of balancing department resources and patient care to promote collective patient safety. Patient safety arises when care is ethical, efficient, and appropriately weighs care timeliness and comprehensiveness. Emergency nurses use numerous patient flow management strategies that can be organized into five tasks: information gathering, continuous triage, resource management, throughput management, and care oversight. CONCLUSION Patient flow management is complex, cognitively demanding work. The central contribution of this paper is a theoretical model that reflects emergency nurses'conceptualizations, discourse, and priorities. This model lays the foundation for knowledge sharing, training, and practice improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Benjamin
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States; Present address: Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA, United States.
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Oh WO, Jung MJ. Triage-clinical reasoning on emergency nursing competency: a multiple linear mediation effect. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:274. [PMID: 38658947 PMCID: PMC11044571 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01919-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triage is the first step in providing prompt and appropriate emergency nursing and addressing diagnostic issues. Rapid clinical reasoning skills of emergency nurses are essential for prompt decision-making and emergency care. Nurses experience limitations in emergency nursing that begin with triage. This cross-sectional study explored the mediating effect of perceived triage competency and clinical reasoning skills on the association between Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) proficiency and emergency nursing competency. METHODS A web-based survey was conducted with 157 emergency nurses working in 20 hospitals in South Korea between mid-May and mid-July 2022. Data were collected utilizing self-administered questionnaires to measure KTAS proficiency (48 tasks), perceived triage competency (30 items), clinical reasoning skills (26 items), and emergency nursing competency (78 items). Data were analyzed using the PROCESS macro (Model 6). RESULTS Perceived triage competency indirectly mediate the relationship between KTAS proficiency and emergency nursing competency. Perceived triage competency and clinical reasoning skills were significant predictors of emergency nursing competency with a multiple linear mediating effect. The model was found have a good fit (F = 8.990, P <.001) with, a statistical power of 15.0% (R² = 0.150). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that improving emergency nursing competency requires enhancing triage proficiency as well as perceived triage competency, which should be followed by developing clinical reasoning skills, starting with triage of emergency nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Oak Oh
- College of Nursing, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, 02841, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Myung-Jin Jung
- College of Nursing, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, 02841, Seoul, South Korea.
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Samadbeik M, Staib A, Boyle J, Khanna S, Bosley E, Bodnar D, Lind J, Austin JA, Tanner S, Meshkat Y, de Courten B, Sullivan C. Patient flow in emergency departments: a comprehensive umbrella review of solutions and challenges across the health system. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:274. [PMID: 38443894 PMCID: PMC10913567 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10725-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, emergency departments (EDs) are overcrowded and unable to meet an ever-increasing demand for care. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review and synthesise literature on potential solutions and challenges throughout the entire health system, focusing on ED patient flow. METHODS An umbrella review was conducted to comprehensively summarise and synthesise the available evidence from multiple research syntheses. A comprehensive search strategy was employed in four databases alongside government or organisational websites in March 2023. Gray literature and reports were also searched. Quality was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for systematic reviews and research syntheses. We summarised and classified findings using qualitative synthesis, the Population-Capacity-Process (PCP) model, and the input/throughput/output (I/T/O) model of ED patient flow and synthesised intervention outcomes based on the Quadruple Aim framework. RESULTS The search strategy yielded 1263 articles, of which 39 were included in the umbrella review. Patient flow interventions were categorised into human factors, management-organisation interventions, and infrastructure and mapped to the relevant component of the patient journey from pre-ED to post-ED interventions. Most interventions had mixed or quadruple nonsignificant outcomes. The majority of interventions for enhancing ED patient flow were primarily related to the 'within-ED' phase of the patient journey. Fewer interventions were identified for the 'post-ED' phase (acute inpatient transfer, subacute inpatient transfer, hospital at home, discharge home, or residential care) and the 'pre-ED' phase. The intervention outcomes were aligned with the aim (QAIM), which aims to improve patient care experience, enhance population health, optimise efficiency, and enhance staff satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This study found that there was a wide range of interventions used to address patient flow, but the effectiveness of these interventions varied, and most interventions were focused on the ED. Interventions for the remainder of the patient journey were largely neglected. The metrics reported were mainly focused on efficiency measures rather than addressing all quadrants of the quadruple aim. Further research is needed to investigate and enhance the effectiveness of interventions outside the ED in improving ED patient flow. It is essential to develop interventions that relate to all three phases of patient flow: pre-ED, within-ED, and post-ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Samadbeik
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Andrew Staib
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Justin Boyle
- The Australian E-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sankalp Khanna
- The Australian E-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emma Bosley
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Daniel Bodnar
- Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Government, Brisbane, Australia
| | - James Lind
- Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jodie A Austin
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Sarah Tanner
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yasaman Meshkat
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Barbora de Courten
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clair Sullivan
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Queensland Digital Health Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Department of Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Pearce S, Marr E, Shannon T, Marchand T, Lang E. Overcrowding in emergency departments: an overview of reviews describing global solutions and their outcomes. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:483-491. [PMID: 38041766 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-023-03477-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Emergency Department (ED) crowding is defined as a situation wherein the demands of emergency services overcome the ability of a department to provide high-quality care within an appropriate time frame. There is a need for solutions, as the harms of crowding impact patients, staff, and healthcare spending. An overview of ED crowding was previously published by our group, which outlines these global issues. The problem of overcrowding in emergency departments has emerged as a global public health concern, and several healthcare agencies have addressed the issue and proposed possible solutions at each level of emergency care. There is no current literature summarizing the extensive research on interventions and solutions, thus there is a need for data synthesis to inform policymakers in this field. The aim of this overview was to summarize the interventions at each level of emergency care: input, throughput, and output. The methodology was supported by the current PRIOR statement for an overview of reviews. The study summarized twenty-seven full-text systematic reviews, which encompassed three hundred and eight primary studies. The results of the summary displayed a requirement for increasing studies in input and output interventions, as these showed the best outcomes with regard to ED crowding metrics. Moreover, the results displayed heterogeneous results at each level of ED care; these reflected that generally solutions have not been matched to specific problems facing regional centres. Thus, individual factors need to be considered when implementing solutions in Emergency Departments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Pearce
- University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada.
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Erica Marr
- University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tara Shannon
- University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Tyara Marchand
- University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Eddy Lang
- University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Antonsen L, Dieperink KB, Østervang C. Music in the acute preoperative nursing care - A mixed-method pilot study. Nurs Open 2023; 10:2572-2581. [PMID: 36560908 PMCID: PMC10006616 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim was to (1) examine the feasibility aspect of a music intervention, (2) examine the association between music and pain, relaxation and well-being and (3) explore patients' experience of listening to music while waiting for acute surgery. DESIGN The design was a mixed-method study. METHODS Participants were offered a music pillow for 30 min. Before and after the intervention, participants reported their pain, relaxation and well-being using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to10. The qualitative part was based on field observation followed by a semi-structured interview. RESULTS The quantitative part included 30 participants. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a positive significant association between music and pain, relaxation and well-being (p < 0.001). The qualitative part included 15 participants. Two themes derived from the analysis: (1) feelings of physical and mental well-being and (2) a break from the acute preoperative context. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Antonsen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karin Brochstedt Dieperink
- Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Family Focused Healthcare Research Centre (FaCe), University of Southern Denmark, Odense.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christina Østervang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Abu-Alhaija DM, Johnson KD. The emergency nurse responses to triage interruptions and how these responses are perceived by patients: An observational, prospective study. Int Emerg Nurs 2023; 67:101251. [PMID: 36773514 PMCID: PMC10082689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ienj.2022.101251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare providers' responses to triage interruptions in the emergency department affect quality of care. The purposes for this study were to (1) Examine the relationship between nurses' response to triage interruption and each of, patients' perceived confidence in nurses' technical skills, perceived competence of triage nurse, and satisfaction with the triage experience, (2) Examine the relationship between nurses' response to triage interruption and nurse demographics. METHODS Using an observational, prospective design, this study was conducted in an adult academic level 1 trauma center. Data collection tools were: The Triage Interruptions Assessment Tool, Triage and Provider Satisfaction and Confidence Survey, and Demographic Questionnaire. RESULTS The number of observed triage interviews is 93. Of them, 66 interviews were interrupted. No significant relationships were found between nurses' response to the interruption and patients' perceived confidence in nurses' technical skills, competence of triage nurse, or satisfaction with triage experience. There were no significant relationships between nurses' response to triage interruptions and nurses' demographics. CONCLUSIONS Triage interruptions in the emergency environment are common and most often result in delays in care. In the current study, this has not been shown to affect patients' satisfaction. Nurses' individual characteristics did not affect their responses to triage interruptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania M Abu-Alhaija
- University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, 3110 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States.
| | - Kimberly D Johnson
- University of Cincinnati, College of Nursing, 3110 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45221, United States.
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Benjamin E, Wolf LA. "Nurses are every bit of the flow:" Emergency department nurses' conceptualization of patient flow management. Nurs Forum 2022; 57:1407-1414. [PMID: 36398596 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM To validate and refine Benjamin and Jacelon's 2021 definition of patient flow management using the experience and knowledge of practicing emergency department nurses. BACKGROUND Patient flow requires complex, real-time decision-making to match patients to limited resources and facilitate their movement through care processes. A literature-based concept analysis of patient flow management was first performed in 2021, but the voice of nurses is largely absent from existing patient flow research. DESIGN This study employed an expanded concept analysis methodology, as articulated by Kathleen Cowles. DATA SOURCE Focus groups of nine emergency nurses were conducted. RESULTS Emergency nurses' conceptualization of patient flow management differs from the definition as it has emerged through patient flow literature. Patient flow management is a nurse-driven process that relies on nursing knowledge and the work of all emergency nurses, including bedside nurses. Emergency nurses perceive the ultimate goal of patient flow management to be the collective safety of patients, and they work to promote patient safety within their own scope of responsibility. CONCLUSION Understanding patient flow management as a nurse-driven process emphasizes the importance of nurse training and capacity to effective patient flow. Future research should explore the role of emergency nurses as active directors, rather than passive components, of patient flow. More work is needed to investigate this complex nursing task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Benjamin
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa A Wolf
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
- Emergency Nursing Research, Emergency Nurses Association, Schaumburg, Illinois, USA
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Song Y, Mohamed Nassur A, Rupasinghe V, Haq F, Boström AM, Reid C, Andersen E, Wagg A, Hoben M, Goodarzi Z, Squires JE, Estabrooks CA, Weeks LE. Factors associated with residents’ responsive behaviours towards staff in long-term care homes: A systematic review. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 63:674-689. [PMID: 35094085 PMCID: PMC10167766 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objectives
When staff experience responsive behaviors from residents, this can lead to decreased quality of work-life and lower quality of care in long-term care homes. We synthesised research on factors associated with resident responsive behaviours directed towards care staff and characteristics of interventions to reduce the behaviours.
Research Design and Methods
We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review with quantitative and qualitative research. We searched 12 bibliographic databases and “grey” literature, using two keywords (long-term care, responsive behaviours) and their synonyms. Pairs of reviewers independently completed screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. We developed a coding scheme using the ecological model as an organising structure and prepared narrative summaries for each factor.
Results
From 86 included studies (57 quantitative, 28 qualitative, 1 mixed methods), multiple factors emerged, such as staff training background (individual level); staff approaches to care (interpersonal level); leadership and staffing resources (institutional level); and racism and patriarchy (societal level). Quantitative and qualitative results each provided key insights, such as qualitative results pertaining to leadership responses to reports of behaviours, and quantitative findings on the impact of staff approaches to care on behaviours. Effects of interventions (n=14) to reduce the behaviours were inconclusive.
Discussion and Implications
We identified the need for enhanced understanding of the interrelationships among factors associated with resident responsive behaviours towards staff and processes leading to the behaviours. To address these gaps and to inform theory-based effective interventions for preventing or mitigating responsive behaviours, we suggest intervention studies with systematic process evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Song
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | | | | | - Fajr Haq
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Boström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Colin Reid
- School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Andersen
- School of Nursing, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Adrian Wagg
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Matthias Hoben
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Zahra Goodarzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta, Canada
| | - Janet E Squires
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lori E Weeks
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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Benjamin E, Jacelon C. An analysis of the concept of patient flow management. Nurs Forum 2021; 57:429-436. [PMID: 34862615 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM To analyze the concept of patient flow management. BACKGROUND Patient flow has a significant impact on the provision of patient care. The term "patient flow" is widely used, but the related concept of "patient flow management" has been poorly defined. The ability to differentiate and clarify the term patient flow management has implications on strategies to improve patient flow. DESIGN Rodgers evolutionary method of concept analysis. DATA SOURCE Literature published between 2000 and 2021 in the PubMed, CINAHL, and Business Source databases. REVIEW METHODS Inductive analysis of the literature was performed to identify the usage and features of the concept. RESULTS Patient flow management is defined as the application of holistic perspectives, dynamic data, and complex considerations of multiple priorities to enable timely, efficient, and high-quality patient care. Patient flow management requires the identification of a patient, care processes, a flow manager, and frontline staff. It has profound consequences on patient, staff, and hospital system outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Literature should more carefully delineate between "patient flow" and "patient flow management." Effective patient flow management increases the speed and quality of patient care, improves employee satisfaction, and reduces healthcare costs. Strategies to improve patient flow management should focus on understanding the role and interventions of flow management nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Benjamin
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cynthia Jacelon
- Elaine Marieb College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Patient Throughput Initiatives in Ambulatory Care Organizations during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9111474. [PMID: 34828520 PMCID: PMC8624418 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9111474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ambulatory (outpatient) health care organizations continue to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic using an array of initiatives to provide a continuity of care for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. The purpose of this study is to systematically identify the facilitators and barriers experienced by outpatient health care organizations in an effort to maintain effective and efficient patient throughput during the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study systematically reviewed articles focused on initiatives taken by ambulatory care organizations to maintain optimal outpatient throughput levels while balancing pandemic precautions, published during 2020. RESULTS Among the 30 articles that met the inclusion criteria, three initiatives healthcare organizations have taken to maintain throughput were identified: the use (and enhanced use) of telehealth, protocol development, and health care provider training. The research team also identified three barriers to patient throughput: lack of telehealth, lack of resources, and overall lack of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS To maintain patient throughput during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations need to develop strategies such as the use of virtual consultation and follow-up, new guidelines to move patients along the care delivery value-chain, and ongoing training of providers. Additionally, the availability of required technology for telehealth, availability of resources, and adequate knowledge are vital for continuous patient throughput to ensure continuity of care during a pandemic.
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Chen L, Zheng H, Chen L, Wu S, Wang S. National Early Warning Score in Predicting Severe Adverse Outcomes of Emergency Medicine Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:2067-2078. [PMID: 34385819 PMCID: PMC8354023 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s324068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For emergency triage, it is very important to identify patient severity according to their vital signs and chief complaint. Several studies have examined the predictive value of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) for specific emergency patients and have shown it to be effective. However, few have studied the utility of NEWS in emergency triage for general emergency medicine patients. The aim of this research was to investigate the performance of NEWS in emergency triage with regard to predicting adverse outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study carried out at a tertiary care center hospital in Jinhua, China. A total of 62,403 patients attending the emergency department (ED) from January to December 2018 were included. The NEWS, Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), and quick Sepsis Related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score were obtained from emergency triage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between the NEWS, MEWS, and qSOFA, as well as those between other parameters with ED mortality. The predictive performances for emergency observation, death, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission of NEWS, MEWS and qSOFA were compared to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results Of the total participants, 6502 were placed under emergency observation, 106 died in the ED, 638 were admitted to the ICU, and 324 died in-hospital. The NEWS, qSOFA, age, and gender were significantly associated with ED mortality. NEWS was significantly better at discriminating all outcomes, and the area under the curve and 95% confidence intervals for ED mortality, observation in ED, composite of ED mortality and ICU admission, and in-hospital mortality were 0.862 (0.859-0.865), 0.691 (0.687-0.695), 0.859 (0.856-0.861), and 0.805 (0.802-0.808), respectively. Conclusion NEWS shows good performance in discriminating critical emergency patients in ED triage for emergency medicine patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Chen
- Nursing Education Department, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zheng
- Emergency Department, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Chen
- Emergency Department, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Sunying Wu
- Emergency Department, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Saibin Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, 321000, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
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