What does ‘ED throughput’ refer to?

‘ED throughput’ refers to the overall efficiency of patient movement through the emergency department from arrival to discharge. This concept is crucial in emergency department operations as it encompasses various factors, including wait times, treatment times, and the coordination of care. By focusing on throughput, healthcare facilities aim to optimize their processes to ensure that patients receive timely care while effectively managing resources.

Understanding throughput is essential for improving the patient experience and minimizing overcrowding, which can lead to increased wait times and potentially affect patient outcomes. Therefore, monitoring and enhancing throughput is a key component of effective emergency department management, aiming to move patients through the system as efficiently and effectively as possible.