Degree Name
Nursing Practice, DNP
Publication Date
2021
Upload Date
2024
First Advisor
Jessica Camp
Abstract
Emergency department (ED) crowding can cause an extended length of stay (LOS) and high rates of patients who leave without being seen (LWBS). This quality improvement ED project sought to reduce LOS and LWBS by implementing a triage (PIT) team. The design included an outcomes evaluation with available data and a staff pre and posttest. Length of stay and LWBS rates were compared before and after implementation. Results indicated a reduction in the average LOS and LWBS rates for the 30 days of project implementation compared to the 30 days before the project initiation. The overall goal of the PIT team implementation and triage staff education was to reduce LOS and LWBS while alleviating crowding in a local ED, with the possibility of implementing and replicating results in other EDs. Written protocols outlining the PIT procedure were implemented and incorporating the electronic medical record for departmental communication among staff. The project lead observed and provided staff feedback to ensure continuity of the process.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Carmen, "Improving Emergency Department Quality of Care" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 38.
https://arch.astate.edu/dnp-projects/38
