Strategies for Improving Patient Throughput in an Acute Care Setting Resulting in Improved Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Patient throughput allows for the efficient flow of patients through the hospital, ensuring timely and appropriate level of care. Evidence supports the implementation of hospital-wide patient throughput initiatives. Hospitals who have prioritized patient throughput have realized improvements in quality patient care, patient satisfaction, as well as a positive financial impact. Hospitals have implemented various patient throughput strategies; however, a standard process or methodology has not been identified. Evidence-based research is needed to create a framework to guide hospitals in implementing patient throughput strategies.