Qualitative exploration of patient flow in a Caribbean emergency department.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Emergency departments (EDs) are complex adaptive systems and improving patient flow requires understanding how ED processes work. This study aimed to explore the patient flow process in an ED in Trinidad and Tobago, identifying organisational factors influencing patient flow.

Methods

Multiple qualitative methods, including non-participant observations, observational process mapping and informal conversational interviews were used to explore patient flow. The process maps were generated from the observational process mapping. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Setting

The study was conducted at a major tertiary level ED in Trinidad and Tobago.

Participants

Patient and staff journeys in the ED were directly observed.

Results

Six bro

SUBMITTER: De Freitas L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7735135 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature