Current Initiatives
Timely triage can be the difference between life and death
Overview
Our solution focuses on enhancing the utilization of existing Emergency Department wait time improvement initiatives implemented by Alberta Health Services, rather than introducing new systems. By optimizing workflows, strengthening the use of real-time dashboards, improving system integration, and supporting team-based care, this approach addresses key system-level challenges contributing to delays. The PDSA cycle is applied to continuously evaluate, refine, and sustain these improvements over time. This integrated approach ensures more efficient patient flow, reduces wait times, and improves care delivery for CTAS Level 3 patients while promoting long-term, sustainable system performance.
Alberta Health ED Wait Time Initiatives
Alberta Health Services (AHS)
Alberta Health Services plays a central role in improving Emergency Department wait times through province-wide strategies focused on performance monitoring, real-time data reporting, and system-level coordination. By providing real-time wait time dashboards and tracking key performance indicators such as time to physician and length of stay, AHS enables healthcare teams to make informed, data-driven decisions. These initiatives support improved patient flow, resource allocation, and accountability across facilities, creating a strong foundation for reducing delays and enhancing care delivery for CTAS Level 3 patients.
The Emergency Strategic Clinical Network (ESCN)
The Emergency Strategic Clinical Network is an Alberta Health Services initiative designed to improve emergency care delivery by optimizing workflows, staffing models, and patient flow processes. ESCN focuses on implementing evidence-based strategies such as team-based care, enhanced discharge planning, and the integration of allied health professionals to support patient movement through the Emergency Department. By addressing bottlenecks and improving coordination among care providers, ESCN helps reduce wait times and enhances the efficiency and quality of care for CTAS Level 3 patients.
Provincial Capacity Escalation Plan
The Provincial Capacity Escalation Plan is a system-wide approach used to manage Emergency Department overcrowding and ensure timely access to care during periods of high demand. This plan establishes clear protocols for escalating resources, redistributing patients, and coordinating care across facilities when capacity thresholds are reached. By improving system responsiveness and communication, the escalation plan helps prevent delays caused by overcrowding and supports more efficient patient flow, particularly benefiting CTAS Level 3 patients who are often impacted by prolonged wait times.