Structured evaluation of a virtual emergency department triage model of care: A study protocol.
Emerg Med Australas
; 34(6): 907-912, 2022 12.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1846153
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
A new virtual ED service was introduced into a hospital network in the northern suburbs of Melbourne in response to changing needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 'virtual ED' utilises a telehealth model as a means of assessment for appropriately selected patients to facilitate either complete care or navigation into streamlined pathways for ongoing care, in some cases bypassing the ED entirely where appropriate. The proposed study aims to evaluate the implementation of the model and identify future improvement opportunities, assess the impact on traditional health service delivery processes and patient experience, and determine the acceptability of the 'virtual ED' model of care.METHODS:
The present study will consist of a pre-post- implementation evaluation using the RE-AIM framework. Routine health service data will be collected for 6 months post-implementation of the virtual ED model and compared to 24 months prior to implementation. Prospective data will be collected using routinely collected and survey data. Interviews and focus groups will be conducted to understand consumer and clinician perspectives on barriers and enablers to implementation and adoption of the virtual ED.RESULTS:
Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the study population and key outcomes, including changes in ED presentations and length of stay. Thematic analysis will be conducted on transcribed interviews and focus group data. This will be triangulated with data collected from patient feedback surveys.CONCLUSION:
This project will support the delivery of care to ED patients by evaluating the 'virtual ED' model of care.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Triage
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Emerg Med Australas
Journal subject:
Emergency Medicine
Year:
2022
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
1742-6723.14010
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS