title: Process-Improvement Cost Model for the Emergency Department.
abstract: The objective of this report is to present a simplified, activity-based costing approach for hospital emergency departments (EDs) to use with Lean Six Sigma cost-benefit analyses. The cost model complexity is reduced by removing diagnostic and condition-specific costs, thereby revealing the underlying process activities' cost inefficiencies. Examples are provided for evaluating the cost savings from reducing discharge delays and the cost impact of keeping patients in the ED (boarding) after the decision to admit has been made. The process-improvement cost model provides a needed tool in selecting, prioritizing, and validating Lean process-improvement projects in the ED and other areas of patient care that involve multiple dissimilar diagnoses.
authors.forename: Sheila R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Dyas
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Greenfield
authors.forename: Sherri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Messimer
authors.forename: Swati
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thotakura
authors.forename: Sampson
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gholston
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Doughty
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hays
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ivey
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Spalding
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D018803:Models, Economic; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000191:economics*; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000191:economics