Zero Harm During Transition in Care From the Emergency Department to Medical/Surgical Units

Health care-related errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. When evidence-based processes are applied, harm related to health care errors can reach zero.

The purpose was to achieve zero preventable harm to patients during transitions in care from the emergency department (ED) to medical/surgical (Med/Surg) areas.

A performance improvement process was used to drive the evidence-based design to eliminate harm in transitions from the ED to Med/Surg units. Once initial design was complete, small tests of change were deployed until zero harm was achieved.

Zero harm during transitions from the ED to Med/Surg areas was achieved. The use of formal performance improvement systems, tools, and evidence-based practices allows organizations to achieve and sustain zero harm during these transitions in care.

This transitions project met multiple objectives. In addition, throughput efficiencies were realized.