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A systems analysis of obstetric triage
Jeanette Zocco1, Mary Jane Williams, Diane B Longobucco
1Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Yale University School of Nursing, Hartford, CT 06105, USA. Jeanettezocco@hotmail.com
The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing
|November 16, 2007
Summary
Implementing a dedicated triage room or standing orders did not reduce patient length of stay in obstetric care. Provider availability remains key to efficient patient flow and timely assessment in labor and delivery units.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Flow Optimization
Background:
- Efficient patient care delivery systems are crucial for high-volume obstetric units.
- Unscheduled patient visits in labor and delivery require effective triage to manage patient flow and wait times.
- Existing systems may struggle to regulate patient flow without an optimized obstetric triage process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine variables in obstetric triage to enhance patient care delivery in a busy obstetric unit.
- To determine if a dedicated triage room or standing orders improve efficiency compared to traditional labor room evaluations.
- To optimize patient flow and reduce wait times in obstetric triage settings.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 398 patients in a midsize academic labor and delivery unit.
- Two phases evaluated room assignment and standing orders for common obstetric issues.
- Patients meeting triage criteria were assigned to either a triage room or a standard labor room.
Main Results:
- Neither a dedicated triage room nor standing orders significantly decreased patient length of stay.
- The interventions did not yield a statistically significant improvement in patient throughput.
- No significant reduction in length of stay was observed with the tested modifications.
Conclusions:
- Obstetric triage efficiency is primarily influenced by provider availability for assessment, triage, and discharge.
- Provider workflow and accessibility are critical factors in managing patient flow in labor and delivery.
- The study highlights the importance of human resources in optimizing obstetric triage processes.
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