Transforming Patient Care Through Optimal Patient Placement

The hospital was experiencing higher costs and lower quality care than its competitors based on data from the Commonwealth Fund and MEDPAR.

After working with a consulting firm, it was determined that some patients were placed on inappropriate units for their required level of care. A seven month project was launched to consolidate the areas, all while working to improve quality, patient, physician and employee satisfaction, and reduce costs. Care levels were consolidated from four levels to three—critical care, a step down or intermediate level, and med/surg. Patients would move twice instead of three times, when necessary, and would be admitted to the right level of care upon admission, whenever feasible, thus utilizing the most appropriate nursing staff.

This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)