[Concept of an interdisciplinary emergency department at the Schwarzwald-Baar Hospital]

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Emergency Medicine Organization

Context:

• Merger of hospitals into a Central Hospital in the Schwarzwald-Baar region necessitated organizational changes.
• The establishment of a central emergency department (CED) was proposed to streamline emergency care.
• Implementing a CED presents organizational challenges due to its integration with multiple medical departments.

Purpose:

• To describe the concept of a central emergency department (CED) as an organizationally independent unit in a tertiary care hospital.
• To highlight collaborations with various hospital departments, emergency services, and local physicians.
• To detail the operational processes, integrated admission department, and personnel structures of the CED.

Summary:

• A central emergency department (CED) was established as an organizationally independent unit within a tertiary care hospital.
• The CED successfully integrated various departments, emergency services, and local physicians.
• Operational processes, admission, and personnel structures were specifically designed for the CED.

Impact:

• After nearly a year, the CED integration into the clinic has been successful.
• The CED has proven effective as a central hub for emergency care.
• The CED has been widely accepted as a distinct and valuable unit within the hospital.