IHI.org - A resource from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement
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Decrease and Smooth Variation:
Establish an Emergency Department Fast Track
Establishing a "fast-track" process for patients with urgent conditions that can be treated relatively quickly can reduce extensive waits and improve overall flow of patients through the emergency department. A physician often can treat a fast-track patient while waiting for test results for a more seriously ill or injured patient. A separate process can also be established for patients who require additional observation, such as patients with chest pain or asthma. Implementing a fast track can reduce the overall length of a patient’s stay in the emergency department and increase patient and staff satisfaction.
Tips
  • Create a separate area or designate separate beds — and ideally separate staff — to segregate fast-track patients from the main ED, a process that may also prevent unnecessary admissions.
  • Define criteria to identify patients that can be moved directly from triage to fast track.
  • Commit to consistent hours and staff in the ED fast track to eliminate confusion and streamline patient flow on an ongoing basis.
  • Use a specific satellite area to handle registration, x-rays, and labs for fast-track patients.