Patient flow in the preoperative assessment clinic
| Autor: | M. Dzoljic, S. Razzaq, G.M. Edward, Markus W. Hollmann, A. de Roode, L.C. Lemaire, F. Boer |
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| Přispěvatelé: | Anesthesiology, ACS - Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, AII - Amsterdam institute for Infection and Immunity |
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2008 |
| Předmět: |
Adult
medicine.medical_specialty Outpatient Clinics Hospital Time Factors Adolescent Quality Assurance Health Care MEDLINE Efficiency Organizational Preoperative care Hospitals University Appointments and Schedules Ambulatory care Risk Factors Preoperative Care medicine Outpatient clinic Health Status Indicators Humans Child Aged Netherlands Aged 80 and over business.industry Infant Newborn Infant Middle Aged Patient flow Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine Child Preschool Emergency medicine business Quality assurance |
| Zdroj: | European journal of anaesthesiology, 25(4), 280-286. Wolters Kluwer Health |
| ISSN: | 0265-0215 |
| Popis: | Background and objective: Previous research has shown that a preoperative assessment clinic enhances hospital cost-efficiency. However, the differences in organization of the patient flow have not been analysed. In this descriptive study, we evaluated the consequences of the organization of the patient flow of a preoperative assessment clinic on its performance, by analysing two Dutch university hospitals, which are organized essentially differently. Methods: In the final analysis, the study included 880 patients who visited either academic centre. The performance of the two preoperative assessment clinics was evaluated by measuring patient flow time, various procedure times and the total waiting time. Patients' age, ASA physical status and any preoperative tests requested by the physician were also recorded. Results: There was a significant difference in patient flow time between the two preoperative assessment clinics. More time was needed for the preoperative assessment when patients' ASA class was higher. The patient flow time was longer when electrocardiogram and venepuncture were performed at the general outpatient laboratory than when they were performed at the preoperative assessment clinic due to longer waiting times. More tests were requested when they were performed at the preoperative assessment clinic. Conclusions: This study shows that the organization of patient flow is an important aspect of the logistic processes of the preoperative assessment clinic. It might influence patient flow times as well as the number of preoperative tests requested. Together with other aspects of logistic performance, patient satisfaction and quality of medical assessment, patient flow logistics can be used to assess the quality of a preoperative assessment clinic |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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