Delaying time periods of the service for accident and emergency patients

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study delaying time periods of the service for accident and emergency patients. The samples were: 250 patients’ medical health records and 100 health care providers. Research instruments comprised of service record forms and interview questionnaires developed by researchers. Content validity was reviewed by 3 experts.  Quantitative data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. Results showed that 89 patients (35.6%) were reported of having delaying service times.  The analysis of service time comprised of 30 steps which divided into 2 groups: 1) There were 13 steps of duration on waiting time for services; and 2) There were 17 steps of duration time for services. Opinion of health care providers related to management of services for accident and emergency patients in 4 topics were reported: 1) opinions on services for accident and emergency patients; 2) opinion on roles of health care team; 3) opinion on standard of service for accident and emergency patients; and 4) opinion on service management for reducing delaying time and improving service time.  Researchers recommend that developing project to shortening the steps and reducing delaying service time for accident and emergency patients by using lean concept in order to improve service efficiency and patients’ satisfaction.