A Pediatric Capacity Management Plan
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Date
2024-07-03
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Authors
Perkins, Heather
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Abstract
Hospital capacity constraints is a contributing factor associated with access to care barriers in both adult and pediatric populations. Due to the limited number of pediatric hospitals there is a need to evaluate solutions to remove these barriers. The tertiary hospital for this project experienced an increase in capacity related denials for pediatric patients needing transfer with 3 patients declined in 2021 and an increase of 182 patients declined in 2022. These drastic numbers created a call to action to create solutions for this issue. In review of pediatric capacity management tactics at project site, it was identified that there was not a specified pathway or resource to manage patient flow operations, creating inconsistency and lack of efficiencies throughout. The framework utilized for project creation and implementation was through the Plan, Study, Do, Act (PDSA) model. The implementation of a pediatric flow coordinator and capacity management strategy was established with a goal to reduce capacity related denials by 10%-15% within specified time frame. The time frames in comparison were the months of January through May, 2023 and 2024 to maintain consistency regarding patient volumes. Post project results demonstrated a positive result with a 31% reduction in pediatric capacity denials. The positive outcome associated with this project is encouraging as a goal for healthcare organizations is to care for the right patient, at the right place, and at the right time. Creating solutions that contribute to efficient patient flow is essential, resulting in positive impacts such as better patient outcomes, positive patient experience, and productive financial results within organizations.