Effectiveness of an Observation Unit and Transition Team on Length of Stay: Before and After Study

Charinette Guerrero, Southern Adventist University
John Rogers, Southern Adventist University
Barratt Schichtel, Southern Adventist University

Abstract

There have been many proposed solutions to decrease emergency department (ED overcrowding and increase the quality of care in this particular population. However, there is little research suggesting the use of combining short-term observational units, as well as transition teams, in order to reduce ED length of stay (LOS) in patients awaiting disposition or inpatient bed assignments.

The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of using short-term observational units and transition teams in order to decrease length of stay in patients originating from the emergency department who are awaiting disposition or inpatient bed assignments.