Inappropriate Utilization of the Emergency Treatment Room at DeWitt Army Community Hospital Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Abstract
It is a common perception among the hospital staff in most Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) that the Emergency Treatment Room (ETR) is a misnomer. At DeWitt Army Community Hospital, it is generally accepted by the emergency room staff that the majority of ETR visits could be classified as non- emergent. This situation is compounded by long waiting times for these non- emergent patients, which results in a high degree of patient dissatisfaction. Additionally, there is a high degree of provider dissatisfaction due to the additional duty requirements to staff the ETR. The purpose of this study is to quantify the supposition that there is a high level of inappropriate visits to the ETR and to propose a model for care which will allow patients to be directed to the most appropriate setting for care. The results of this study indicate that an Advice/Triage Telephone Service and an After Hours Clinic in operation with the ETR will help alleviate the problem of inappropriate utilization of the ETR.... Emergency room, Inappropriate utilization, Advice nurse.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA261874
Entities
People
- Christine S. Richardson
Organizations
- Academy of Health Sciences