Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Prognostic Indicators in Heart Failure - The Role of Phase Angle and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis
Published on: June 30, 2023
Patient Characteristics and Variables Influencing Acute Medical Flow
C H Wood1, J Underwood2, C Davies3
1School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK, CF14 4YS.
None:
Waiting times are the most widely used indicator of patient flow. This project aims to analyse 24-hour variation in referrals and waiting times for patients referred to the Acute Medical Service (AMS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the AMS of Wales' largest hospital. Collected data included patient characteristics, referral times, waiting times and adherence to Clinical Quality Indicators (CQIs). Peak referral times were found between 11:00-19:00. Peak waiting times occurred between 17:00-01:00, which was longer on weekdays in comparison to weekends. Referrals between 17:00-21:00 had the longest waiting times with > 40% of patients failing both junior and senior CQIs. Mean and median age and NEWS were higher between 17:00-09:00. Weekday evening and nights are problematic for acute medical patient flow. Interventions, including workforce, should be targeted towards these findings.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Flow Sheet
Here's a closer look at the examples of flowsheets commonly used by nurses:
Graphic Sheet Documentation:
Factors Affecting Drug Distribution: Organ Perfusion Rate
Perfusion rate-limited distribution relies on the...
Physiological Pharmacokinetic Models: Blood Flow-Limited Versus Diffusion-Limited Models
Blood Flow
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

