Research Paper on:
Developing a Case Management Structure for the ER

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
proposal for reorganizing the emergency department in such a way that treatment can be more efficient and patients and their families can be better informed about what is happening to  them. Reducing anxiety allows care givers to keep their attention on the problems at hand and contributes to establishment of a team perspective that includes physicians, nurses, patients and  family members. Introduction The facilitys Emergency Department is categorized as a Level 1 ER, meaning that the facility "offers the highest level of  expert skill and precision available in trauma care" (Life-saving Care For Western Virginia, 2002). The issue of cost containment is one that every health care facility faces, but patient  outcome still is of primary importance. The case management approach can serve both purposes, improving costs while yet better serving patients. This is both the purpose and goal  of this case management proposal. Operational Plan The overall plan is to create "zones" within the ER, centralizing supplies and equipment necessary for  specific needs. Patients will move through the ER in stages, with the nature of their conditions determining the final stage of their ER experience.  Upon entering the ER via any means - whether walk-in or ambulance-delivered - the patient will see a triage nurse who will then assign the patient to a  zone while also assigning a level of need that the patient is experiencing at the time. Of course a patient experiencing a heart attack and delivered by ambulance will  not have to wait until the triage nurse sees other patients without immediately life-threatening conditions. Triage will not necessarily occur at a physical location. It may take place