REIMAGINING AN EMERGENCY

The reasons people walk into the ED vary, but generally include1: It is also well documented that people who often present to the ED could

The traditional model of providing care is largely based on a first-come, first-served basis that is modified by acuity. Using the Emergency Severity Index, patients

More space for the ED would definitely be helpful, but is likely not the entire answer. Much like traffic congestion which doesn’t improve when extra

There are a number of ways to think about reducing the flow of patients coming to the ED, and many are important considerations for providing

An ED patient visit often requires many steps, and within and between each step there is potential for improved efficiencies.  Diagnostic Testing Diagnostic testing and

Current research points to the fact that discharge from the ED is likely the biggest congestion point, and biggest factor contributing to ED overcrowding. Just

Emergency department crowding can be addressed as a problem of input, throughput and output, and understood from the perspective of the patient and health system.

Emergency departments are exploring various forms of throughput improvement, including changes to processes, staffing, technology and space utilization. The vertical flow model consists of changes

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

Overview The Emergency Medical Treatment & Labor Act (EMTALA) was enacted by Congress in 1986. The intent is to ensure public access to emergency services.