Skip to Content

Change PAT protocols to improve patient throughput

May 1, 2019 In The News 3 min read
Authors:
Sharon Ulep
A pre-admission testing (PAT) makeover can significantly improve patient satisfaction and reduce delays in the operating room. Sharon Ulep shares three best-practice PAT protocols to improve patient throughput with OR Manager.

Doctor reviewing chart

Pre-admission testing (PAT) has been shown to reduce day-of-surgery delays and unnecessary testing that drive up the cost of healthcare. But it takes time and patience to put an effective PAT process in place.

Healthcare Consulting Principal Sharon Ulep, MBB, CMCA, CPHQ, who has worked with many hospitals to improve PAT processes, says these best practices will ensure success:

  1. Have PAT nurses assess patients’ risks and needs before surgery.
  2. Conduct initial assessments by telephone and base the call list on contact within 24 to 48 hours after the patient is scheduled.
  3. Establish an algorithm and protocol orders for testing.

Related Thinking

Picture of a female nurse moving medical equipment in an operating room.
February 6, 2019

Five tips to drive sustainable operating room change

Article 5 min read
Image of three medical personnel looking at a laptop.
February 8, 2019

How data transparency can drive sustainable change in the operating room

Podcast 6 minute listen
Image of a female doctor reviewing information on a tablet computer.
February 8, 2019

Take our Operating Room Efficiency Assessment

Article 3 min read