Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center Emergency Department

LaGrange, Georgia

The West Georgia Emergency Department implemented Code CHIP, an interdisciplinary initiative designed to streamline care for patients with closed head injury, including high-risk patients taking anticoagulants. The protocol created clear activation criteria, prioritized rapid provider evaluation, expedited CT imaging and coordinated treatment room placement while imaging was underway. After implementation, median CT start time improved from 38 minutes to 16 minutes. The workflow reduced variation, supported faster diagnosis and strengthened patient safety through nurse-driven recognition, physician collaboration, trauma alignment and radiology partnership.

The 34-bed emergency department also focused on a healthy work environment for team members. ED staff completed the AACN Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool quarterly and identified True Collaboration as an opportunity for improvement, with a baseline score of 3.47 in May 2024. An interdisciplinary team implemented code debriefs, standardized debrief forms, clearly defined code roles, education and a staff recognition program. These initiatives improved communication, accountability, teamwork and shared learning. By November 2025, the True Collaboration score increased to 4.11 to indicate measurable improvement while also reflecting the ED’s commitment to engaging front-line staff and fostering a healthier, more collaborative, work environment.