44 - Time is Money: Fast Tracking Patients to Endoscopy

Description: Delays in transporting patients for endoscopic procedures can significantly impact procedural throughput, causing treatment delays and underutilization of valuable procedural space. This quality improvement initiative evaluated the impact of cohorting patients in the preoperative holding area (POHA) on Endoscopy Suite efficiency. Using a pre- and post-intervention design, six designated POHA beds were reserved each morning for endoscopy patients. Endoscopy nurses transported patients directly when ready, with a continuous reassignment process throughout the day. Following implementation, the Endoscopy Suite experienced increased utilization, reduced delays, shorter room turnover times, and a modest rise in on-time procedure starts. This streamlined approach demonstrates how interdepartmental coordination and proactive patient flow management can improve care delivery and resource optimization. The model offers a practical strategy for nurse leaders and clinical teams aiming to enhance procedural efficiency and patient outcomes.