Mapping patient path in the Pediatric Emergency Department: A workflow model driven approach

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Process Optimization
• Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Pediatric Emergency Departments (PEDs) face challenges with overcrowding.
• Accurate workflow models are crucial for understanding and improving PED processes.
• Service planning requires robust data on patient flow and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify indicators and bottlenecks contributing to overcrowding in a PED.
• To analyze patient flow delays using real data.
• To develop a detailed workflow model for service improvement.

Main Methods:

• Constructing a workflow model of the patient journey using real data from a PED.
• Conducting accurate site visits to map PED processes.
• Analyzing patient waiting times, especially for bed requests.

Main Results:

• Waiting time from healthcare and bed request to PED exit for admission is the primary delay source (70% of waiting room time).
• Workflow modeling effectively identifies patient flow delays and areas for PED activity improvement.
• The developed model can estimate indicators for preventing overcrowding situations.

Conclusions:

• Workflow modeling is an effective approach for representing PED processes and identifying overcrowding issues.
• Addressing long waiting times, particularly for bed requests, is critical for improving patient flow.
• The model provides a basis for evidence-based PED service planning and optimization.