Impact of the Emergency Procedure Zone on Emergency Care
<i>Background:</i> Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a public health crisis that affects patient care quality. Space management in the ED can affect patient flow dynamics and clinical practice. We proposed a novel design of the “emergency procedure zone” (EPZ). The purpose of the...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2023-05-01
|
| Series: | Medicina |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/5/901 |
| Summary: | <i>Background:</i> Emergency department (ED) overcrowding is a public health crisis that affects patient care quality. Space management in the ED can affect patient flow dynamics and clinical practice. We proposed a novel design of the “emergency procedure zone” (EPZ). The purpose of the EPZ was to provide an isolated area for clinical practice and procedure teaching, to ensure a secure area with adequate equipment and monitors, and safeguard patient privacy and safety. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the EPZ on procedural practice and patient flow dynamics. <i>Methods:</i> This study was conducted at the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital in Taiwan. Data were collected from 1 March 2019 to 31 August 2020 (pre-EPZ period) and from 1 November 2020 to 30 April 2022 (post-EPZ period). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. This study focused on the number of procedures and length of stay in the emergency department (LOS-ED). Variables were analyzed using the chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test. Statistical significance was defined as <i>p</i> < 0.05. <i>Results:</i> There were 137,141 (pre-EPZ period) and 118,386 (post-EPZ period) ED visits recorded during this period. The post-EPZ period showed a significant increase in central venous catheter insertion, chest tube or pigtail placement, arthrocentesis, lumbar puncture, and incision and drainage procedures (<i>p</i> < 0.001). For patients who were directly discharged from the ED, the post-EPZ period also had a higher percentage of ultrasound studies performed in the ED and a shorter LOS-ED for patients who were directly discharged from the ED (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <i>Conclusions:</i> The establishment of an EPZ in the ED has a positive impact on procedural efficiency. The EPZ improved diagnosis and disposition efficiency, shortened the length of stay, and provided benefits such as improved management, patient privacy, and teaching opportunities. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1010-660X 1648-9144 |