Optimization of Triage Protocols in Emergency Departments: A Data-Driven Approach to Enhance Patient Flow and Clinical Outcomes

Rowan Collins; Chris Thompson; Kim Clark; Drew Lopez

Authors

Rowan Collins PhD
Chris Thompson MD
Kim Clark Associate Professor
Drew Lopez Professor

Keywords:

Triage optimization, Emergency medicine, Patient flow, Clinical outcomes, Data-driven approach, Healthcare efficiency, Emergency department protocols, Quantitative analysis, Qualitative insights

Abstract

The efficiency of triage protocols in emergency departments (EDs) has become paramount in addressing the escalating patient influx and varied acuity levels, especially as we navigate the healthcare challenges of 2024-2026. This study applied a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of patient flow data with qualitative insights through physician interviews. We analyzed 5,000 triage cases across multiple EDs, focusing on the impact of protocol variations on wait times and patient outcomes. Findings revealed that optimizing triage protocols could reduce patient wait times by up to 30% and improve clinical outcomes significantly, as indicated by a 25% reduction in adverse events. These results underscore the necessity for healthcare systems to re-evaluate and customize triage strategies to mitigate the pressures faced in EDs today and in the future.

Author Biographies

Rowan Collins, PhD

PhD
Harvard Medical School
25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Chris Thompson, MD

MD
University of Toronto
27 King's College Cir, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada

Kim Clark, Associate Professor

Associate Professor
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany

Drew Lopez, Professor

Professor
Monash University
Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia

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