The ESI is a tool used in the triage of patients presenting to the ED. A 5 level scale, patients are assessed and then grouped not only by acuity, but also resource need. The 5 levels include¹:

In the traditional model, patients at a level 4 or 5 are generally subjected to longer wait times and are more likely to leave without being seen. In looking at new ED flows, this tool can be used to quickly organize low-acuity patients to a separate process flow that is more effective in delivering quicker care and requiring less space to deliver that care.

References

1. Gilboy, N., Tanabe, P., Travers, D., & Rosenau, A. M. (2012). Emergency Severity Index (ESI): A triage tool for emergency department care, version 4, implementation handbook. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE20-PURL-gpo23161/pdf/GOVPUB-HE20-PURL-gpo23161.pdf