Quick response programs: effective management of a population in crisis.
In our present health care system, emergency departments have become the gatekeepers of the acute care system for the elderly. These departments need other alternatives to in-hospital treatment for elderly patients. The Windsor-Essex County Quick Response Program was developed as an innovative alternative to assist Hotel Dieu of St. Joseph Hospital's emergency department with this complex client population. This article describes the program, provides a rationale for this specialized service, offers suggestions for program success and reports on its accomplishments during the first year of operation.
Freeman
M
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Windsor-Essex Quick Response Program.
D000208:Acute Disease / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D010343:Patient Admission; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation