ADMIN/NON MEDICINE
SHORT STAY UNIT
PromptRole of short stay unit
ResponseManage emergency medicine patients who would benefit from extended treatment and observation but have an expected stay <24h
PromptBenefits of Short Stay Unit vs DC Home
ResponseAllows prolonged period of observation (24h vs 4h)
Allows titration of oral medication
Allows for allied health input eg; Physiotherapy
Allows for inpatient consultation to facilitate further outpatient review or investigation, or to assist in discharge planning
Allows titration of oral medication
Allows for allied health input eg; Physiotherapy
Allows for inpatient consultation to facilitate further outpatient review or investigation, or to assist in discharge planning
PromptExclusion criteria for short stay
ResponseUnstable patients
GCS <14 (I would say 15)
Patients requiring admission to ward – complex medical or surgical problem
Multiple problems
Elderly patients who are unable to mobilise
Paediatric patients
Patients without clear management plan/diagnosis
Intensive nursing requirements
Risk to staff – psychotic, violent, forensic
GCS <14 (I would say 15)
Patients requiring admission to ward – complex medical or surgical problem
Multiple problems
Elderly patients who are unable to mobilise
Paediatric patients
Patients without clear management plan/diagnosis
Intensive nursing requirements
Risk to staff – psychotic, violent, forensic
PromptWays to improve EDSSU efficiency
ResponseSSU admissions to be approved by senior clinician (avoid inappropriate admission)
Criteria led discharge – allow nurses to facilite DC if MO not available
Dedicated SSU team/regular rounding – earlier discharge
Direct to SSU admission from WR for low risk presntations (eg: Low risk tox, Gastro)
Tactics to improve overcrowding
Timely access to path/radiology – avoid EDSSU admission for results + speed up DC once there
Criteria led discharge – allow nurses to facilite DC if MO not available
Dedicated SSU team/regular rounding – earlier discharge
Direct to SSU admission from WR for low risk presntations (eg: Low risk tox, Gastro)
Tactics to improve overcrowding
Timely access to path/radiology – avoid EDSSU admission for results + speed up DC once there
PromptNight reg decimates short stay with 5 unstable patients - Management
ResponseAssign the next most senior doctor to attend SSU and coordinate review these patients urgently.
Arrange to move any unstable patients to a higher area of care (eg Resus)
Take handover for rest of the department.
Assign handovers & prioritise assessment of new patients to day staff.
Proceed to SSU after handover to review SSU patients with Night Registrar & discuss management.
Arrange to debrief with Night Registrar about the shift and any difficulties at another time.
Identify any critical errors that have occurred and ensure key learning has been addressed in these cases with treating doctor.
Notify your director of the situation.
Refer any cases where patient safety was compromised for review through departmental M&M process.
Review any current SSU guidelines.
Arrange to move any unstable patients to a higher area of care (eg Resus)
Take handover for rest of the department.
Assign handovers & prioritise assessment of new patients to day staff.
Proceed to SSU after handover to review SSU patients with Night Registrar & discuss management.
Arrange to debrief with Night Registrar about the shift and any difficulties at another time.
Identify any critical errors that have occurred and ensure key learning has been addressed in these cases with treating doctor.
Notify your director of the situation.
Refer any cases where patient safety was compromised for review through departmental M&M process.
Review any current SSU guidelines.