Watch how splitting minor and severe patients into separate tracks changes emergency room flow in a browser-based teaching model.
See It In ActionWatch minor cases (green) clear through fast track while severe cases (red) get dedicated resources
All patients enter a single queue after triage. A sprained ankle waits behind a chest pain case. Minor issues consume the same resources as emergencies.
80% of ER visits are ESI level 4-5 (minor). These patients don't need full ER resources, but they clog the queue for everyone. Left Without Being Seen (LWBS) rates climb.
Split-flow design routes minor cases to a dedicated fast track with streamlined resources. Severe cases get immediate access to full ER capacity. Both populations win.
Click "Try This Simulation" to open the pre-built ER fast track model.
Press Run and watch patients flow through triage, then split into fast track and main ER paths.
Adjust the split ratio, arrival rates, or processing times. See the impact instantly on wait times.
A fast track (or "quick care") is a separate area in the ED designed to rapidly treat low-acuity patients (ESI level 4-5). These patients have minor issues like sprains, minor lacerations, or simple infections that don't require full ER resources.
Studies show fast track implementations typically reduce door-to-provider times by 30-50% for minor cases, while simultaneously improving throughput for high-acuity patients who no longer compete with minor cases for resources.
Generally, ESI level 4-5 patients: those with minor injuries, simple infections, prescription refills, or minor complaints. The specific criteria vary by hospital, but typically exclude anyone needing labs, imaging, or IV medications.
Yes. You can adjust arrival rates, processing times, and split ratios to match your ED's actual data. Use the Distribution Detective tool to fit your timing data to the right distribution.
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