'Split flow' slashes statistics for LWT, LOS.
A "split flow" program in the ED at Baptist Medical Center in San Antonio not only has slashed the left-without-treatment (LWT) rate from a high of 9.5% in spring 2009 to 2.2% at present, but it dramatically has improved patient satisfaction rates as well. An Emergency Severity Index (ESI) score determines which of the two areas is most appropriate for the patient. The "intake" area has an additional physician assistant or nurse practitioner for the 12 peak hours of each day. There is always a tech in triage in the event the nurse is required to leave the area.
D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D013781:Texas