Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

DNP

College

School of Nursing

Department

Not Listed

Committee Chair

Dr. Kendra Barker

Committee Co-Chair

Dr. Jennifer Mallow

Committee Member

Dr. Jennifer Mallow

Committee Member

Ms. Jordyn Jesso

Abstract

Introduction/Background

Emergency department overcrowding is a national problem that causes adverse effects on patients, providers, and healthcare systems. Locally, wait times can be up to six hours. Emergency department census increases yearly without an increase in physical space.

Purpose

The project aimed to improve throughput and provide quality care to patients in an emergency department waiting room.

Intervention

A provider in triage guideline was written to improve emergency department throughout metrics and guide care.

Methods

Pre- and post-implementation statistics were compared. The Logic model was used to guide project implementation.

Results

Door to provider and arrival to discharge times decreased with the introduction of triage guidelines. Left without being seen rates did not change, and arrival to discharge times increased.

Conclusion

Provider in triage guidelines helped improve ED throughput and the quality of care for patients in waiting. Expansion of the guidelines is recommended and could include additional chief complaints, discharge parameters, and medication administration

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