"Starting on the Right Foot": An Algorithmic Approach to Facilitate an Improved ICU Admission Process

We developed a streamlined approach to improve healthcare quality by enhancing the patient admission process to the intensive care unit (ICU). Guided by the SQUIRE (Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence) guidelines, our departmental initiative, "Starting on the Right Foot," was implemented in 3 stages: data collection and problem identification, design and implementation, and regular assessments. To evaluate the impact of this intervention, we compared satisfaction rates before and after implementation. One year following the launch of the initiative, we observed a significant increase in satisfaction among patients' loved ones during ICU admissions. The average satisfaction rating rose from 51.5% prior to the intervention to 81.6% post-implementation (p < .001), underscoring the model's effectiveness in improving the overall critical care experience. This initiative demonstrates the value of a family-centered model that emphasizes communication, empathy, and collaboration, and we advocate for similar approaches to foster a more compassionate, patient-centered environment in healthcare settings.