Emergency Department Software for Reducing Overcrowding

Overseen By Mitchell Veverka, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Duke University

Disqualifiers: Minors, ESI class 1, pregnant, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a research study to determine a method in improving emergency department waiting room care by using new software program.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment ED management software for reducing emergency department overcrowding?

Research shows that improving patient flow and organization in emergency departments can help reduce overcrowding and improve patient satisfaction. Strategies like separating low- and high-complexity cases and using prediction tools for admissions have been effective in managing patient flow, which suggests that similar software could also be beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the Emergency Department Software for Reducing Overcrowding differ from other treatments for ED overcrowding?

This software is unique because it uses real-time data and electronic reports to help manage patient flow and improve decision-making in emergency departments, unlike traditional methods that may not utilize technology to this extent. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Research Team

Lauren Siewny, MD

Principal Investigator

Duke Health

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking adults over 18 who have completed lab work and are cognitively sound. It excludes minors, the most critically ill patients (ESI class 1), those unable to consent legally, pregnant individuals, and non-English speakers.

Inclusion Criteria

I am over 18 and have completed all required lab tests.

English is my primary language.

I am mentally clear and able to think well.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Emergency Severity Index (ESI) class 1 patients

Pregnant patients

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants interact with the re-evaluation software on a tablet, while providers use the software on a desktop

Up to 1 year

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in LBTC rates and disposition time

Up to 1 year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• ED management software

Trial Overview The study is testing a new emergency department management software designed to improve waiting room care. Participants will use this software under observation to see if it enhances efficiency in an emergency setting.

Participant Groups

Group I: Study Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients who undergo use of the software prior to being re-evaluated by a physician

Group II: Healthy Control Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients undergo care without using the software

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Duke University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,495

Recruited

5,912,000+

References

1. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Improving emergency department organisation]. [2015]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Strategies to improve flow in the pediatric emergency department. [2007]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of triage liaison provider on emergency department throughput: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Medical Admission Prediction Score (MAPS); a simple tool to predict medical admissions in the emergency department. [2023]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[How to organize the emergency department of primary care hospitals in the future? Nyon's regional hospital experience]. [2007]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Introduction of a Horizontal and Vertical Split Flow Model of Emergency Department Patients as a Response to Overcrowding. [2020]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improving Safety and Quality With an Emergency Department Overcrowding Plan. [2023]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Models for improving patient throughput and waiting at hospital emergency departments. [2022]

9. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Information System Design for Emergency Department Overcrowding Assessment. [2018]