Global case management: Scotland. Real-time monitoring of patient flow as an instrument to optimize quality of care in acute receiving units.

ABSTRACT

Recent audits within our hospital suggest that especially during peak phases the patient flow from our acute admission units downstream into hospital beds is not directed in the most efficient way and patients may be placed inappropriately. This inevitably causes time delays and potentially increases the risk of malpractice as patients have to spend an extended period of time in admission areas with a high workload and very busy staff. Using latest information technology, such as wireless local area networks and handheld devices, can improve the efficiency of patient management and can increase the quality of care by helping to avoid unnecessary treatment delays in overcrowded admission areas.