F4: Improving flow in the acute setting

Wednesday 22 June 2022 | 15:00-16:00

Format: Presentation
Stream: Improvement Methods
Content filters: Features discussion of improvement methodology, Recommended for those new to quality improvement

(Part A) The emergency department needs emergency care

Emergency department (ED) crowding is associated with lesser patient flow and adverse patient outcomes. Improving patient flow requires involvement of professionals outside the ED and support from hospital management. Therefore, a Taskforce Acute Care Team (TACT) was introduced which addresses acute care as a strategic priority. The TACT introduced four interventions: (1) adding an emergency nurse practitioner and (2) five medical specialists to the 24/7 available emergency physicians, (3) a Lean program to improve radiology report turnaround times and (4) extending admission offices’ openings hours. The impact of the multimodal intervention on ED processes and patient flow is described.

Christien van der Linden, Haaglanden Medical Centre; Netherlands

(Part B) Faster, Safer, Better – Together: Improving Patient Flow in Acute Mental Health Services

We will explore how QI principles and methodology can be used to address the challenges we face around patient flow in acute inpatient services (and beyond). A variety of QI methods have been used to address flow issues, for example Lean, Model for Improvement and Theory of Constraints.

We will share some insights and learning from our experience of using QI to address this complex problem. This includes how data can help understand where to target interventions, the importance of whole system thinking, and exploring how to motivate teams, carers and patients to take part in improving flow.

Freddie Johansson, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I); England

Sifi Bahuleyan, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I); England

Emma Scott, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust (C&I); England