The 15-bed Georgetown Emergency Department implemented a focused initiative to reduce the length of stay for admitted patients. The team identified three key drivers of success: strong interdisciplinary communication, timely inpatient bed assignment and standardized handoff processes. ED leaders partnered with hospitalists, nursing supervisors and inpatient units to conduct daily throughput huddles, address barriers in real time and improve patient flow. A standardized nurse-to-nurse handoff tool was introduced to ensure safe, consistent transitions of care. As a result, collaboration improved across departments, delays decreased and admitted patients experienced a more efficient transition from the ED to inpatient care.

The ED team also launched a restraint reduction initiative centered on staff education, early intervention and standardized patient assessments. Team members were trained to recognize escalating behaviors, implement de-escalation techniques and utilize evidence-based interventions before restraints became necessary. Consistent assessment tools and care protocols promoted timely identification of patient needs and supported prevention-focused care. The results demonstrated sustained improvement over four quarters, with restraint episodes decreasing from 42 in 2023 to 25 in 2024 and just 15 in 2025. This significant reduction reflects a commitment to patient safety and dignity, as well as the delivery of compassionate, high-quality emergency care.