West Kendall Baptist Hospital Emergency Department

Miami, FLorida

The significant reduction of Left Without Being Seen incidents in the 50-bed emergency department at West Kendall Baptist Hospital exemplifies the power of collaborative efforts. One foundational initiative involved the strategic role of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in advanced triage. Their specialized training facilitated comprehensive patient assessments, enabling quicker decision-making and prioritization. This initiative not only decreased patient wait times but also significantly reduced LWBS incidents. Furthermore, the incorporation of continuous monitoring and data analysis played a critical role. Regular assessments of key performance indicators allowed the healthcare teams to identify areas for improvement, leading to refined workflows and targeted interventions.

Improvements in the department’s stroke program also highlight the effectiveness of prompt, interdisciplinary collaboration. Upon arrival of stroke-symptomatic patients, the triage nurse activates a stroke alert through Ascom devices, ensuring rapid notification of the ED physician. If the primary physician is unavailable, the charge nurse takes immediate action to notify another physician. This prompt communication and coordination are crucial for the timely evaluation of stroke patients, significantly impacting their recovery outcomes. Through these concerted efforts, the percentage of stroke patients evaluated within 15 minutes of arrival rose from 82 percent in fiscal year 2022 to 91 percent in fiscal year 2023.