Length of stay. It's not just an inpatient concern

This article outlines five strategies that can help reduce LOS, a key indicator for improving both service to the patient and cost reduction for the hospital. 1. Reduce the Roles Within the Emergency Department. Expand staff job descriptions, and as a result, the ED's flexibility by reducing the number of separate and distinct roles in the ED. 2. Streamline the Admission Process. Avoid the backup in the ED by streamlining the admission process, paying special attention to ensuring that incentives are aligned to get the patients into inpatient beds. 3. Redeploy and/or Cross-train Key Ancillary Services. Cut down on the delays associated with coordinating with outside ancillary departments by bringing those services which make sense into the ED or at a minimum streamlining the process for accessing them. 4. Use Technology Wisely. Look at available technology as a means to put more information into the hands of your staff or reduce the overall work involved in the process. 5. Establish Team Accountability and Measure Performance. Develop a baseline LOS, measure it going forward, and most importantly, push down accountability for improving it to your clinical and support teams.