Enhancing implementation of a standardized initial assessment for demand management in outpatient emergency care in Germany: a quantitative process evaluation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Inadequate assessment of the severity and urgency of health problems is one of the factors contributing to unnecessary emergency department visits. A software-based instrument for standardized initial assessment (SmED) aims to support healthcare professionals and steer patients to the appropriate source of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation process of SmED based on the point of view of users in order to facilitate sustainable implementation.

Methods

A quantitative process evaluation on the basis of a paper-based questionnaire was carried out alongside the implementation of SmED in 26 outpatient emergency care services within 11 federal states in Germany. Healthcare professionals who worked with SmED either at the joint contact points of

SUBMITTER: Breckner A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8592824 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature