Acuity-adaptable model improves efficiency, study shows

Implementing an acuity-adaptable model on a dedicated noncritical trauma unit improved efficiency and resource utilization without decreasing quality of care, a study found. Published in the April issue of the American Journal of Nursing, the retrospective study showed keeping 1,371 noncritical trauma patients in one specially equipped room from admission to discharge, with appropriate care delivered ─ rather than transferring them ─ reduced the average ED boarding time by 6.2 hours. The study also resulted in fewer patient transfers for changes in level of care, and falls per 1,000 patient days decreased by nearly 41%. Patients also were more often discharged to their home instead of other care sites.