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Objective: Many factors influence patient flow through an ED, including streaming, treatment spaces and staff resources. This pilot study explored and compared real time patient flow using a single‐stream system versus varying configurations of possible two‐stream systems using computer simulation. Methods: Simulation modelling was used to assess the delay in treatment of a rapid‐antigen‐tested‐based, two‐stream model for patient flow through ED during the peak phase of the COVID pandemic. Results: Modelling two‐stream configuration for all patients (minimum time to be seen for both COVID‐positive and COVID‐negative patients) showed that in the case study ED, a two‐stream system and linked changes in bed configuration for managing the risks of infection can impact delays in treatment. Conclusions: Data‐driven modelling within specific clinical settings can inform the (in)efficiency of patient flow processes and help clinicians and managers make evidence‐based decisions about patient transition through EDs. This can assist with reconfiguration of ED patient streaming particularly during periods of unique need, such as the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare time metrics associated with a temporary disruption to ED computed tomography (CT) scanner location from adjacent to the ED with direct access from resuscitation rooms, to a location remote to the ED. Methods: A retrospective before and after study was conducted in a public metropolitan ED with over 66 000 presentations annually. Time‐to‐CT metrics, operational time metrics and ED length of stay were extracted and analysed from presentations between October 2020 and January 2021. Results: There were 3031 CT scans during the study period. Overall, the disruption was associated with a significant 27–36 min delay (P < 0.01) in time‐to‐CT start; these delays were also observed in a subset of trauma patients. In a subset of presumed stroke patients, time‐to‐brain perfusion was significantly delayed by up to 10 min (P < 0.01). There was a 14% (P < 0.01) greater demand for operational services and a time imposition of up to 8 min (P < 0.01) to transport patients to or from CT scanning when the CT scanner was located away from the ED. ED length of stay was consistent at all time points. Conclusion: Although rapid, proximate access to CT scanning is often considered desirable in terms of the management of trauma and other time‐critical emergencies, the wider time and resource implications demonstrated in this study suggest a potential broader benefit to co‐located CT scanning in ED. Our experience could be considered in future re‐design of EDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on telemedicine and digital technologies supporting the provision of emergency care for more than 20 years. Topics include enabling ubiquitous, high quality, secure video conferencing, remote monitoring and digital ordering and review of investigations; and implications for the emergency and primary care workforces, particularly in rural and regional centres.