Concussion, often describe as a mild – moderate traumatic brain injury, is often admitted to our emergency department (ED). Until recently our department had no guidelines or protocol concerning this group of patients, and their waiting time in ED were sometimes substantial. The method of admittance and treatment varied from time to time, and there were no specific ward that had special experience or competence regarding the patients with concussion.
In general, long waiting time and crowding in the ED is connected with increased mortality and morbidity (Chalfin BD et al 2007). Our department is therefore working intensively to find ways to decrease waiting time in the ED, and of more importance, increase patient safety and quality of care.
Aim: Reduce waiting time in ED by > 70%. Promote safe, reliable and consistent care. Increase patients satisfaction.
