Improving emergency department flow by introducing a simple time out moment (The TRAFFIC LIGHT study)

• DOI: 10.52964/amja.0966
• Publication Date: 2024-04-14T15:19:06Z
• Authors: Audrey JC Overgaauw; Marijn Ligthart; ; Kaoutar Azilji; ; Tanca C Minderhoud; ; Jonne J Sikkens; ; Tessa H Biesheuvel; ; Prabath Wb Nanaya...
• Keywords: Turnaround time

Background and importance: Long waiting times in the emergency department (ED) is an increasing problem recent years expected to become even bigger future Objective: We aimed test hypothesis whether awareness of time lapse with treating physician, 2 hours after patient arrival, can reduce long turnaround (TAT). Method: In this prospective single-center cohort study we compared analyzed TAT ED before implementation a so called ‘traffic light’ moment arrival. At light” team member contacted physician increased over lapse. Difference percentage patients who stayed more than 4 intervention was primary outcome Results: Between October 2nd 2021 January 2nd,2022 1494 were included for analysis. A total 419 (n=740, 56.6%) had less hour intervention, 497 (n=754, 65.9%) (p <0.001). Median spent de 3:40 (IQR 2:24 – 5:04) 3:15 2:03 4:38) (p<0.001). Conclusion: This simple low-cost reduces length stay significantly. Although multiple interventions will be required ensure spending 4-hours ED, effective tool.