Emergency department process improvement

Abstract

The University Medical Center's Emergency Department (ED) in Tucson, Arizona, has faced continually increasing patient numbers and mounting costs while resources have remained fairly static. This phenomenon, termed "crowding" has been observed as a growing problem nationwide. The purpose of this project is to decrease overall patient throughput time by identifying potential bottlenecks and proposing strategies to alleviate them. A simulation model of the University Medical Center's ED patient process has been created using ARENA software. The model reflects data obtained from the department as well as from in-house time studies and interviews. Following validation of the model with department personnel alternative solutions were tested by altering various stages of the model and analyzed according to department requirements and preferences. The analysis results and proposed alternative solutions will be presented to ED administrators who are tasked with making the final decision.