1. Optimizing Patient Throughput Baylor University Medical Center
Katy Moffett
Carolyn Trimble
Jessica Trimmer
Ashley VanMeter

2. Connie Bowling, Baylor Engineering Management
Background of Problem
Baylor Task Force
Connie Bowling, Baylor Engineering Management
John Dixon, head of Nursing Management and Nursing Research
Jamey Koontz, Baylor Engineering Management

3. Description of Problem
Emergency Department’s admissions process was
in need of a more streamlined flow and the
elimination of bottlenecks
Average wait time in Emergency Department is 6
hours

4. Description of Problem
Baylor’s Overall Goal
Reduce Emergency Department wait time by 20%
This would be an average wait time of 4 and ¾ hours
instead of 6 hours

5. Background/Description of Problem
Initial Investigation
Due to the Emergency Department’s very complicated
process, the realm of our project needed to be
narrowed to the bed placement
Further Investigation
We discovered the underlying problem for bed placement was the patient discharge process
Final Decision
We decided that the discharge process was a feasible and rewarding project.
Focus turned to 2 Johnson and 2 Intensive Care Unit

6. Description of Problem
Main Baylor Correspondents
Marcella Owens, 2 Jonsson Clinical Manager
Charlotte Farris, 2 Intensive Care Unit Clinical
Manager
Nathan Thompson, Manager of Environmental
Services

7. Description of Problem
Our Team Goal
Map out flow analysis of every possible
situation encountered
Collect relevant corresponding data
Observe the process and make alterations
Analyze the data and make subsequent
suggestions

8. Description of Problem
Questions Addressed
What are the bottlenecks for the discharge process?
What are the roles of each person involved?
How long does each action take?
What are the prerequisites for each step?
What is the order of hierarchy among Baylor employees?

9. Description of Problem
Decisions Made
What exact data needs to be collected?
Who are the relevant people to contact about the
processes?

10. Analysis of the Situation
General Approach to the Problem
Observed detailed discharge and transfer process for all types
of patients
Ordered the specific steps into separate flow charts
Included completion times for steps when available
Examined flow chart and average procedure times to find
bottlenecks

11. Analysis of the Situation
Types of Patients
Discharged to Home (2 ICU)
Transferring Cardiac Patient (2 ICU)
Transferring Medicine Patient (2 ICU)
Expired Patients (2 ICU)
Against Medical Advice (2 ICU)
Discharged to Home (2 Jonsson)
Against Medical Advice (2 Jonsson)

12. Analysis of the Situation
Model Assumptions
Discharge procedures are accurate
Task times recorded are accurate
All patient types are covered within the given discharge
processes
All nurses follow a similar procedure

13. Technical Description of Model
Process is very patient-specific
After Medical Doctor writes order or transfer, there are
many different scenarios
We created flow charts for each type of patient
No patient is ever the same

14. Technical Description of Model
Variables & Constraints
Linear Variables of Patient Flow
Each required step of the patient flow process
Illustrated in flow chart
Integer Variables in Patient Flow
Time of the completion of each step
Constraints
The steps in process that have to be completed in order to
continue

17. Analysis of Data

18. Analysis of Data

19. Conclusions General Solutions Admissions Solutions Solutions for 2 ICU
Type instructions to cut down on time spent interpreting
handwriting
Admissions Solutions
Implement a real-time bed display system
Solutions for 2 ICU
Combine steps during periods of down time

20. Conclusions Solutions for 2 Jonsson
Doctors should keep nurses updated through
instructions in patient charts
Implement a discharged patient waiting room
Offer alternate transportation
Mandatory discharge check-out time