CLIENT:
Inspira Health CASE STUDY
Mullica Hill, NJ
Testing variations of a newly designed process before implementation uncovers potential inefficiencies. Among the critical factors identified for rapid study was the need to right-size the building program to avoid constructing superfluous square footage. An optimized program was achieved by developing a patient flow that incorporates universal resources that could flex as demand fluctuates during the day.
CHALLENGE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Explore different process designs to
When given the rare opportunity to design a greenfield hospital, our client knew right-
minimize the emergency department’s
sizing and process improvement was paramount. Their desire to improve applied to
waiting time and incorrect resource
the physical space and the processes performed within. Using process analysis and
utilization. Determine potential benefits of
design, we engaged a cross-functional team from the emergency department (ED) as
universal resources.
they explored the impact of multiple solutions. We began by observing current ED operations, exposing us to the process and revealing potential areas for improvement. Using process analysis, we worked with
SOLUTION
the team to map the current process. This mapping exercise allowed the team to
Process Design
impacted patient waiting times.
Using 15 months of patient data, Array
As the clinical team developed their desired future state, they began to realize how
built multiple variations of a discrete
different variables could affect waiting times for varied patient types. Many questions
event simulation model to show resource
surfaced, including the effects of providing dedicated pediatric care. Our Healthcare
utilization and waiting times for different
Systems Engineer developed a simulation model to test the impact of each potential
patient types. The simulation results
patient flow and demonstrate the effect of varying resource allocation strategies.
helped emergency department physicians,
Ultimately, the team chose a hybrid model that combined a specialized pediatric
see where reality deviated from expectations, and how their traditional triage model
who were concerned with the ability to
experience with universal flex beds. The new process includes quick triage to help
offer a specialized pediatric experience,
minimize patient waiting and improve the delivery of care.
see the benefits of operating under a universal model.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
8
Patient Flow Variations Tested
15 mths Patient Data Driving Simulation Model
18%
Prototype team station developed