CHQI is pleased to be spearheading two research projects that will ultimately enhance the body of knowledge in Ontario related to patient flow.
The Patient Flow Simulation Project
The development of a patient flow teaching model is underway in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Centre for Research in Healthcare Engineering. This is a simulation-based model designed to demonstrate the potential impact of addressing some fundamental principles of good patient flow across the continuum of care to address such issues as ALC days, emergency department wait times, and surgical wait times. The model will highlight such patient-flow principles as: eliminating batching, identifying and removing bottlenecks, matching capacity and demand, the differential impact of adding capacity at various points along the continuum, pooling resources, and segmentation.
Case Study of a Community-Centred Patient Flow Model
CHQI has commissioned a case study describing a patient flow model implemented by Alberta Health Services (formerly Chinook Health Region) over several years. Through their understanding of patient flow principles, the leadership of the Chinook Health Region began efforts to improve patient flow by redesigning care processes and creating alternatives to long-term care facilities in the community. The insights to be shared in this case study will assist stakeholders in Ontario who want to incorporate similar components and sequencing of initiatives in their own jurisdictions.