Time study of patient movement through the emergency department: Sources of delay in relation to patient acuity

摘要: A continuous observation time study was used to track 1,568 patients through various stages of emergency department care in order identify sources delay. Patients initially were assigned one four categories decreasing acuity, and flow profiles compared for each category. with lowest acuity level experienced long delays moving the ED, although actual evaluation treatment brief. Urinalyses, procedures, radiographs, blood tests had an increasing impact on times (45 minutes, 63 65 126 respectively, 31 minutes no or procedures). moved more quickly, but a longer time. The most critical quickly brief due rapid disposition from ED death. This relationship suggests system that is oriented toward efficient high-acuity less effective low-acuity patients. occurs despite fact comprise vast majority census, represent group whom delay frequent source patient dissatisfaction.