Analytical Framework
Timely triage can be the difference between life and death
Human Technology Ladder
The proposed socio-technical solution addresses triage delays by aligning interventions across all levels of the Human–Technology Ladder. It ensures that improvements are not limited to technology alone but also support human factors, team collaboration, organizational processes, and system-level governance.
Physical
At the physical level, the PDSA solution focuses on optimizing the use of existing technological tools, including real-time dashboards, electronic medical records, and clinical decision support systems. Rather than introducing new technologies, the emphasis is on improving accessibility, usability, and integration of these tools within daily workflows. Through iterative PDSA cycles, system performance and functionality are continuously evaluated and refined to ensure that technology effectively supports clinical and operational decision-making.
Psychological
At the psychological level, the success of the PDSA-driven solution depends on staff attitudes, skills, and willingness to adopt new workflows and technologies. Through the PDSA cycle, targeted training and feedback mechanisms are implemented to improve confidence and engagement with tools such as real-time dashboards and clinical decision support systems. By addressing user acceptance and behavior, this level ensures that healthcare providers consistently utilize existing initiatives, which is essential for improving patient flow and reducing wait times for CTAS Level 3 patients.
Team
At the team level, the PDSA solution enhances communication and collaboration among healthcare providers to support efficient patient care. By implementing team-based care models and clearly defined roles within CTAS Level 3 fast-track pathways, the solution improves coordination between nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals. The PDSA cycle allows teams to continuously evaluate their interactions and workflows, leading to improved teamwork, reduced delays, and more streamlined patient flow in the Emergency Department.
Organizational
At the organizational level, the PDSA solution focuses on aligning workflows, policies, and leadership support to ensure effective implementation. Standardized protocols for CTAS Level 3 patient management, along with performance monitoring through key indicators, help drive consistency and accountability. Leadership plays a critical role in supporting these changes by promoting a culture of continuous improvement. Through repeated PDSA cycles, organizational processes are refined to enhance efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and sustain improvements in Emergency Department performance.
Political
At the political level, the PDSA solution aligns with broader healthcare system priorities, including resource allocation, policy development, and performance accountability. Initiatives led by Alberta Health Services, such as real-time reporting and capacity escalation strategies, provide the governance framework needed to support these improvements. The PDSA cycle enables ongoing evaluation and alignment with provincial goals, ensuring that interventions remain relevant, scalable, and sustainable across the healthcare system.