Wait watchers. Smart organizations are demonstrating that while they can't erase ED wait times, they can leverage technology to keep patients better informed.
Increases in ED visits are significantly affecting patient access, quality, cost and care management--a trend that is expected to continue. A number of organizations are dealing with the increased demand for services by implementing technologies to keep patients better informed of wait times. Publishing ED wait times online offers hospitals a way to communicate information to patients quickly without requiring a significant investment from the IT staff. Hospitals are also utilizing visibility boards to keep both patients and staff updated on patient conditions and room status.
Gamble
Kate Huvane
KH
D030881:Disclosure; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013997:Time Factors; D014584:User-Computer Interface