Incentives for residents: The UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester used cafeteria vouchers to incentivize residents to increase the number of patients discharged by noon, which would open up beds for admitted ED patients.

Final Thoughts

Data surrounding contested admissions will soon be at our fingertips. Most tracking systems can now track the time from the first consultation called on admitted patients, which might be a better proxy than admission order or bed request. The time interval between that time stamp and the admission order or bed request will more accurately capture the pain of the contested admission. That data will drive process changes.

By tackling the contested admission problem as a hospital, medical center, or medical school, we can improve quality, safety, efficiency, and the experience of care. Why not address your contested admissions using some of these cutting-edge strategies?

References

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