Mar 21 2013
A set of principles for improving patient flow and reducing overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) has been developed by an NHS body.
NHS Interim Management and Support has produced the principles after working with more than 120 hospitals.
The principles are designed to be implemented by all staff seven days a week and aim to improve and sustain patient flow along the emergency care pathway, preventing bottlenecks and delays to care.
They concern:
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Early senior review.
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Daily senior review.
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Focusing on discharge.
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Continuity of care.
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Matching capacity to demand and reducing variation.
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Internal professional standards.
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Ambulatory emergency care.
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Managing patient flow streams.
The principles have been derived from various guidance and the authors argue that their 'consistent application... can help to reduce crowding in EDs to ensure that patients receive better care'.