The AdventHealth Shawnee Mission emergency department decreased the proportion of patients leaving before seeing a provider through the implementation of a Rapid Care Path, which included physical space redesign, workflow modifications and policy changes. The ED serves approximately 45,750 patients annually while navigating ongoing challenges such as staff turnover, inpatient boarding and throughput issues. That has led to continuous hospital-wide efforts to enhance efficiency and patient care. The Rapid Care Path was established as a multidisciplinary initiative led by ED nursing leadership and stretcherside staff, with the goal of improving patient safety, timely evaluation and satisfaction. At the same time, the ED focused on reducing door-to-ECG times for acute coronary syndrome patients. A revised chest pain policy and standard operating procedure, consistent with American Heart Association guidelines, facilitated completion of ECGs within 10 minutes. Department education regarding these updates increased compliance. Achieving a higher percentage of ECGs within this timeframe contributed to improved nursing performance metrics, patient safety and initiation of appropriate treatment plans.
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