Mapping patient flow in a regional Australian emergency department: A model driven approach
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 06:32authored byMartin, M, Champion, R, Leigh Kinsman, Masman, K
Unified Modelling Language (UML) models of the patient journey in a regional Australian emergency department (ED) were used to develop an accurate, complete representation of ED processes and drive the collection of comprehensive quantitative and qualitative service delivery and patient treatment data as an evidence base for hospital service planning. The focus was to identify bottle-necks that contribute to over-crowding. Data was collected entirely independently of the routine hospital data collection system. The greatest source of delay in patient flow was the waiting time from a bed request to exit from the ED for hospital admission. It represented 61% of the time that these patients occupied ED cubicles. The physical layout of the triage area was identified as counterproductive to efficient triaging, and the results of investigations were often observed to be available for some time before clinical staff became aware. The use of independent primary data to construct UML models of the patient journey was effective in identifying sources of delay in patient flow, and aspects of ED activity that could be improved. The findings contributed to recent department re-design and informed an initiative to develop a business intelligence system for predicting impending occurrence of access block.
History
Publication title
International Emergency Nursing
Volume
19
Pagination
75-85
ISSN
1755-599X
Department/School
School of Nursing
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Rights statement
Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd.
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Evaluation of health and support services not elsewhere classified