Benjamin Lucas1, Wiebke Schirrmeister2, Gerald Pliske2, Michael Leenen3, Felix Walcher2, Carsten Kopschina4. 1. Department of Trauma Surgery, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany. benjamin.lucas@med.ovgu.de. 2. Department of Trauma Surgery, Otto-Von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany. 3. Emergency Department, Community Hospital Nettetal GmbH, Sassenfelder Kirchweg 1, 41334, Nettetal, Germany. 4. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Lauf a.d. Pegnitz, Krankenhäuser Nürnberger Land GmbH, Simonshofer Straße 55, 91207, Lauf an der Pegnitz, Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In recent years, increases in the number of patients in emergency departments (ED) have led to continuous work intensification. To handle this problem, the treatment effectiveness has to be maximized. One strategy that may help to optimize workflow is the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs). We investigated the existence of SOPs and subjective effects on treatment in German EDs. METHODS: We performed an online survey from February 2015 until June 2016. We collected data regarding the existence of SOPs, health care level, medical field, work experience, and education. All professional groups participating in the treatment of patients were requested to take part in the survey. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of the 589 participants in the survey confirmed the existence of SOPs in their EDs. SOPs were more frequently available in hospitals with higher health care levels. Participants working in EDs without SOPs felt less confident regarding treatment of patients. More than 85% of these participants were in favor of having SOPs. The absence of SOPs was associated with a subjective delay in patient treatment. CONCLUSION: Most of the EDs had available SOPs. In departments without SOPs, most physicians wanted them to be implemented. SOPs seemed adequate in terms of supporting workflow and satisfaction with patients' treatment.
BACKGROUND: In recent years, increases in the number of patients in emergency departments (ED) have led to continuous work intensification. To handle this problem, the treatment effectiveness has to be maximized. One strategy that may help to optimize workflow is the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs). We investigated the existence of SOPs and subjective effects on treatment in German EDs. METHODS: We performed an online survey from February 2015 until June 2016. We collected data regarding the existence of SOPs, health care level, medical field, work experience, and education. All professional groups participating in the treatment of patients were requested to take part in the survey. RESULTS: Seventy-five percent of the 589 participants in the survey confirmed the existence of SOPs in their EDs. SOPs were more frequently available in hospitals with higher health care levels. Participants working in EDs without SOPs felt less confident regarding treatment of patients. More than 85% of these participants were in favor of having SOPs. The absence of SOPs was associated with a subjective delay in patient treatment. CONCLUSION: Most of the EDs had available SOPs. In departments without SOPs, most physicians wanted them to be implemented. SOPs seemed adequate in terms of supporting workflow and satisfaction with patients' treatment.
Entities:
Keywords:
Clinical pathways; Emergency department; Health care level; Health care survey; Overcrowding