Question

The nursing staff of a small emergency department implements a process to reduce wait times. What is this process called?

1) Quality Improvement
2) Evidence-based practice
3) Patient satisfaction
4) The Joint Commission

Answer 1

The nursing staff's process to reduce wait times in an emergency department is called Quality Improvement, which is essential for improving patient satisfaction and healthcare efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process implemented by the nursing staff of a small emergency department to reduce wait times is called Quality Improvement. This term refers to systematic, data-driven efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Emergency department wait times can significantly affect patient satisfaction and outcomes, making Quality Improvement initiatives crucial in these settings. To address the issue of long wait times, one must first acknowledge that wait times are too long. For example, Kay Payne, a campus counselor, has reported that the wait time for an appointment is approximately 10 days. Additionally, mental health issues are widespread within the student community, with 75 percent of 250 students reporting mental health concerns at some point, which could also contribute to increased emergency department visits. Finally, the staff-to-student ratio is too high, with the International Accreditation of Counseling Services recommending one full-time equivalent staff member for every 1,000 to 1,500 students. By recognizing these points, emergency departments can prioritize interventions aimed at optimizing staffing and resources to improve patient flow and reduce wait times.