The “Hidden” Impacts of Poor Patient Flow on Hospitals & Health Systems

Most health care professionals understand how critical patient flow is to their operations. When patients move through the healthcare system efficiently, there are positive effects across the health system including:

• Decrease in patients leaving the hospital without being seen (LWBS)
• Drops in ED holding times
• Better coordination of care
• Higher cost savings for the health system
• Improved patient health outcomes
• Enhanced patient satisfaction
• Heightened staff satisfaction

However, when one of the steps in the patient care journey is delayed, it causes a chain reaction impacting multiple facets, including :

• Burdens on physicians and hospital staff
• Lost revenue
• Patient dissatisfaction
• Negative patient outcomes
• Staff turnover

While poor patient flow has become far too commonplace, there are strategies to minimize the impact. Adopting technology such as operational patient-tracking platforms, Command Centers, and Real-Time Locating System (RTLS) can help alleviate bottlenecks. Newer hospital features such as Discharge Hospitality Centers (DHCs) and primary care clinics within the emergency department (ED) can help, as well. When such tactics and strategies are employed, patients move more efficiently and effectively through healthcare systems. They’re also more likely to receive timely, quality care. At the same time, providers and front line teams experience increased job satisfaction, with less stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. Improving patient flow has positive impacts across the entire continuum of care.