Through performance measurement and clinical redesign in the processes of admissions management, waitlist management and resource utilization review, Western Health is endeavouring to create an environment of excellence.
Admissions management considers the flow of clients/patients/residents across the health system’s programs and services. As part of admissions management, Western Health is working to standardize regional processes for admission and discharge and to identify system trends and concerns. At this time, Western Health’s initial priority for admissions management involves admission to acute care facilities. In keeping with provincial directions and working with staff and physicians, Western Health is implementing the Managed Care Appropriateness Protocol as part of its admissions management strategy. Western Health is also developing regional policies to support admissions management. These include the First Available Bed policy and the Patient Pass policy. Western Health will use the information from admissions management to help evaluate and enhance programs and services, across the community, acute and long term care sectors.
Additional to admissions and waitlist management initiatives, Western Health priorities for resource (including bed) utilization review include recommendations from the HAY Report Western Health Care Corporation Operational Review, Accreditation Reports 2004 and 2005, and the organizational strategic and operational priorities.