Improving Patient and Visitor Understanding of an Emergency Department's Workflow

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Identifier 2024_Nichols_Paper
Title Improving Patient and Visitor Understanding of an Emergency Department's Workflow
Creator Nichols, Nels
Subject Advanced Practice Nursing; Education, Nursing, Graduate; Emergency Service, Hospital; Workflow; Communication; Attitude of Health Personnel; Patient Satisfaction; Visitors to Patients; Crowding; Waiting Lists; Patient-Centered Care; Quality Improvement
Description Patients often arrive at emergency departments (EDs) stressed and confused about the ED's care process, exacerbating their anxiety and complicating care delivery. This lack of understanding, coupled with long wait times, has led to dissatisfaction and patients leaving without treatment. Current practices fail to systematically communicate the ED workflow to patients, highlighting a critical need for evidence-based communication strategies to improve patient care. Methods The study began with observations and reviews of existing ED communication materials, supplemented by a literature search on the benefits of information sharing for patient satisfaction. A physical poster outlining the ED workflow was designed for display. The intervention's impact was evaluated through changes in patient satisfaction survey responses and rates of patients leaving without being treated (LWBT). Results Prior to the intervention, 79.7% of survey respondents stated that signage would improve communication of the care process. The primary intervention, the poster, is anticipated to demonstrate improved patient satisfaction and reduced LWBT rates when launched. Conclusions Introducing ED workflow posters is expected to boost patient understanding and satisfaction while reducing LWBT rates. This low-cost, patient-centric approach underscores the importance of clear communication in healthcare. Future studies should validate and expand these findings.
Relation is Part of Graduate Nursing Project, Master of Science, MS, Nursing Education
Publisher Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Date 2024
Type Text
Holding Institution Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, University of Utah
Language eng
ARK ark:/87278/s6ry4hep
Setname ehsl_gradnu
ID 2523165
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6ry4hep