Reducing emergency department length of stay for hematology patients of tikur anbessa specialized hospital: An improvement initiative.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Prolonged Emergency Department (ED) stays, a global issue driving overcrowding, were exacerbated at our hospital by lab delays and extended waits, increasing patient stress. This study aimed to reduce hematology patients' length of stay (LOS). Using the fishbone method to identify care barriers, three interventions were implemented: redesigned lab referral systems, an online specialist communication platform, and patient navigation floor maps.

Methods

At Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (Ethiopia), a quality improvement initiative targeted hematology patients (n = 203 baseline; n = 63 post-intervention) with prolonged emergency department (ED) stays. Using two PDSA cycles, interventions included an online consultation platform, floor markings for navigation, a

SUBMITTER: Merahi MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12416650 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature