Goal of 8 East trial is to improve communication, throughput

8 East will lead a trial, establishing “protected time” as a means to improve communication and continuity of care among non-urgent transfer patients during a shift change.

Under protected time, non-urgent transfers may be held from 6:30-7:15 a.m. or 6:30-7:15 p.m. to ensure stronger inter-unit communication and seamless and efficient transfers.

Patients who will not be held under protected time are patients who:

• need a higher level of care
• have an ED NEDOC score of greater than 110 (a measurement of ED patient load and bed availability),
• need to undergo testing and procedures (if a transport nurse is available or unnecessary)
• have other circumstances that would cause protected time to be over-ridden by a house supervisor

The trial will affect patients going to 8 East only. Direct admissions to the hospital will not be affected.

The trial runs from Sept. 1-30 and is being performed on behalf of WVU Medicine’s Nursing Practice Council. Eric Small, a nursing supervisor, is leading the study.

The results of the trial will determine if the project will be expanded.