AACE Advancing Immunization Quality Improvement Communication Platform-CMSS SSAAI QI Cycle What Good Looks Like Sample

CMSS SSAAI QI Cycle What Good Looks Like Sample

Pdf Summary

This QI project focuses on improving the efficiency and patient experience in an emergency department (ED). The project aims to address the issues of patients leaving without being seen (LWBS) and the average length of stay (LOS) being more than 4 hours. The project also aims to improve staff morale and patient satisfaction.<br /><br />The project includes multiple QI cycles. The first cycle focuses on establishing a fast track pathway for lower acuity patients. The problem statement highlights that current visit pathways do not meet patient demand in a timely manner, leading to higher LWBS rates and longer LOS. The desired result is to implement new visit pathways that reduce the overall average LOS by 20% and LWBS to less than 2%. The timeframe for achieving these results is three months.<br /><br />To determine the interventions and new process, the QI team analyzed patient acuity, staffing levels, and current LOS and LWBS rates. The team decided to implement a Fast Track area within specific hours staffed by a mid-level provider (e.g., nurse practitioner) and an RN. The triage RN determines patient placement in Fast Track or the main ED based on acuity during Fast Track hours. The metrics used to evaluate this cycle include LOS, LWBS, number of patients seen by the mid-level provider, number of patients seen in the main ED, and the number of patients moved from Fast Track to the main ED.<br /><br />The project follows a process mapping approach, involving a small group of staff from various levels and relevant departments. Each cycle includes one round of process mapping, implementation of the new process, and frequent capture of metrics. The team also has the flexibility to reconvene and make changes as needed based on the experience with the new process.<br /><br />Overall, this QI project aims to improve ED efficiency and patient satisfaction by implementing new visit pathways and addressing LWBS and LOS issues. The project involves an iterative process with multiple cycles, focusing on different interventions to achieve the desired results.

Keywords

QI project

efficiency

patient experience

emergency department

patients leaving without being seen

average length of stay

staff morale

patient satisfaction

fast track pathway

process mapping approach