How to Optimize Patient Flow

Optimizing patient flow can result in shorter wait times, increased access to care, lower costs and ultimately, better outcomes for patients. (See Reference 1.) When patient demands exceed 90 percent capacity, there is a risk of 2 percent of the patients being placed in a holding location where they cannot be moved to a bed, and a high risk of patients leaving before treatment is complete. (See Reference 3.) Long waits and cancellations, particularly in acute care settings, are considered an unavoidable aspect of giving and receiving care by patients and their physicians. (See Reference 1.) However, optimizing patient flow can be the most controllable element of enhancing access to care.

Instructions

• 1

  Evaluate patient flow by carefully reviewing the occupancy limit and the frequency of holding patients in other areas if they cannot be immediately taken to an assigned room. (See Reference 1.)

• 2

  Measure and evaluate the variability of patient flow from all sources. Review the variation in numbers between each day of the week and the variation within each day. (See Reference 1.)

• 3

  Modify the surgical schedule by leaving adequate space for unscheduled surgeries. Building flexibility into the schedule will decrease the waiting time for patients and providers who have previously scheduled surgeries. (See Reference 1.)

• 4

  Assign separate operating rooms for scheduled and unscheduled surgeries. The use of the scheduled rooms are generally predictable and controllable. (See Reference 1.)

• 5

  Organize a process for designating the date and time long-term patients will be discharged at least one day in advance. (See Reference 1.)

• 6

  Assemble a customized process and team to discharge patients with unique needs. The special team can provide the individualized needs or solutions for these patients. (See Reference 1.)