oa Reducing the time to disposition of patients with abdominal pain admitted to the Male Urgent Area ED-HGH

Background: Abdominal pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms in Emergency Department. During a recent audit, it was found that Patients presenting to HGH emergency room with a chief complaint of abdominal pain are the most common patient's category to be delayed to disposition. Currently 62% of patients with abdominal pain admitted to Male Urgent Area in Emergency Department HGH were delayed to Disposition for more than 6 hrs.

Aim: To decrease the percentage of patients with abdominal pain delayed in Male Urgent Area ED, HGH for more than 6 hrs from 62% to 50% by May 2015 Project Scope; Project period: February 10th to 24th May 2015; Place: Male Urgent Area, Emergency HGH; Population: Male patients Expected Benefits of the project; Improve Patient Flow; Improve Patient safety; Improve patient Satisfaction.

Intervention: All abdominal pain patients must first be reviewed by the consultant of the See & Treat before transfer to male urgent area. Dedicated bed for reassessment of abdominal pain in Male Urgent Area. Flagging of patients when ready for reassessment.

Results: Post-intervention length of Stay Male Urgent Area has reduced by 2.28 hrs.

Conclusions: Early senior involvement has an impact on decreasing the Length of Stay in abdominal pain patients. Flagging patients for reassessment had an impact on the Length of Stay. It was very challenging to implement the changes and reach out to every staff being a big department.

Next steps: Quarterly Audit _ Publication of the Audit _ Continuous Education & Implementing to other Areas of the ED.