University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center University Campus Emergency Department
Iowa City, Iowa
University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center University Campus Emergency Department
Over the past two years, the emergency department team at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center University Campus prioritized key initiatives to improve patient throughput and foster a resilient, supportive professional environment.
The team implemented several innovative strategies to reduce elopements and patients leaving without being seen or against medical advice. A reimagined triage process features vertical assessment areas and a low-acuity stream for rapid evaluation. Real-time, multilingual text updates keep patients informed of their care status, and EMS patients are roomed immediately or handed off efficiently to triage staff to reduce hallway wait times. Leadership rounding helps identify bottlenecks and addresses concerns as they appear. These patient-centered improvements, supported by hospital-wide throughput gains, have led to a consistent, measurable decline in LWBS and AMA rates.
Equally impactful is the department’s mentorship and peer support program. New staff members are thoughtfully paired with experienced mentors, and all preceptors complete specialized training to foster confidence and clinical growth. A multidisciplinary hospital-trained peer support team offers confidential emotional support. These efforts have built a culture of connection and trust to help staff feel increasingly supported professionally and emotionally while delivering exceptional patient care.