Patient Flow Within Hospitals: A Conceptual Model

Optimal patient flow minimizes waiting and is associated with quality healthcare. Emergency Department crowding is an indicator of poor patient flow and has been the focus of patient flow interventions. These interventions have failed to address interactions among components of the hospital. This has led to an incomplete understanding of why poor patient flow occurs and what is the best strategy for improving patient flow. The purpose of this article is to review the literature on the importance of good patient flow within hospitals and present a conceptual model of patient flow to guide research in this area.