Having a Patient Flow Vision

Successful patient flow initiatives share a few key common elements. These initiatives begin with a vision for enterprise-wide improvement and a foundation of reliable information. They are supported by timely information and sustained by quality improvement processes and tools. Because patient flow touches every department, only an enterprise-wide initiative can deliver and sustain significant improvements over time across the hospital.

Connectivity is Key

Patient flow is built upon the capture, integration and sharing of information with all interested constituents, both within and across departments.

The addition of a patient flow solution should enhance, rather than replace, current systems to minimize disruption to the workplace. These systems utilize data collection tools already used by providers and staff (e.g. computers) to change current data into actionable information thereby improving patient flow.