Study to Determine the Most Resource Efficient Method to Provide InitialTreatment of Adult Nonurgent Patients Who Access Darnall Army Community Hospital via the Emergency Room

摘要

The most resource efficient method of providing the initial evaluation andtreatment of adult (13 years and older), nonurgent patients who access Darnall Army Community Hospital, Fort Hood, Texas through the emergency room was determined. An analysis was completed concerning the present method of managing the adult, nonurgent patient population followed by a review and analysis of other available hospital resources. Detailed data was obtained concerning the composition of the emergency room patient population by triage category, shift, and age over a 6 month period. The establishment of an evening shift Initial Care Clinic, staffed by a General Outpatient Clinic physician, was recommended to provide initial triage and limited treatment to all ambulatory patients accessing the hospital via the emergency room. Adult, nonurgent patients would then be referred, using a same day appointment, for treatment to the General Outpatient Clinic.