Operational Improvement Resources
An introduction to the causes of care delays and the overcapacity protocols that keep care moving when demand exceeds supply.
Root Causes of Care Delays
Delays originate at different points on the care pathway. Improvement efforts typically target one of the three domains below.
Inflow
How patients enter the system, including ED arrivals, transfers, and requests for admission. Managing inflow depends on intake, diversion, and the link between the ED and the community.
Coming soonThroughput
What occurs while patients are in the ED, including testing, consultation, decision-making, and disposition. Faster throughput reduces time spent in the department.
Coming soonOutflow
How patients leave the ED, whether to inpatient beds, alternate level of care (ALC), or home. Outflow is often the most binding bottleneck, particularly when ward beds are scarce.
Coming soonPractical guidance for each area is available on the Leadership page.
Strategic Overcapacity Protocols
Escalating tiers of action that maintain patient safety and continue care delivery once demand exceeds capacity.
Level 1
Early capacity pressure. Routine surge measures and proactive flow activities keep demand and capacity in balance.
Coming soonLevel 2
Rising pressure. Targeted interventions across inflow, throughput, and outflow commence under focused leadership.
Coming soonLevel 3
High pressure. Surge staffing, expanded diversion, and more intensive queue management are implemented.
Coming soonLevel 4
Extreme pressure. Full overcapacity activation brings command-level coordination to protect patients and restore flow.
Coming soonComing soon