Streamlining patient flow and enhancing operational efficiency through case management implementation
Sultanah Al Harbi, Baker Aljohani, Lamiaa Elmasry, Frenk Lee Baldovino, Kamille Bianca Raviz, Lama Altowairqi, Seetah Alshlowi
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Improving patient flow in hospitals represents a worldwide healthcare challenge. The objective of this project was to depict the effectiveness of case management in improving patient flow in a tertiary hospital setting. METHODS: Quality improvement methods, including quantitative pre-Lean and post-Lean design, the Plan-Do-Check-Act concept, the Single Minute Exchange of Dies and the 'demand and supply approach' of the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, were adapted to examine and modify factors influencing hospital patient flow. RESULTS: This study (conducted from the last quarter of 2019 through September 2022) resulted in a remarkable improvement in patient flow, as evident from the reduction in average hospital length of stay (from 11.5 to 4.4 days) and average emergency department boarding time (from 11.9 to 1.2 hours) and the improvement of bed turnover rate (from 0.57 to 0.93), (p<0.001, p=0.017, p=0.038, respectively), with net cost savings of 123 130 192 million Saudi Riyals (US$32 821 239). CONCLUSION: Implementing a well-structured case management programme can enhance care coordination, streamlilne transitions, boost patient outcomes, and increase revenues within hospital settings.