The Impact of Rapid Diagnostic Testing on Emergency Department Efficiency: Evaluating the Influence of Emerging Testing Technologies on Patient Flow and Care Outcomes

Authors: Madawi I. Alhassoun, Loulwah A. Alhammad, Amal M. Hariri, Abdullah G. Alshubaili

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13627695

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gt88kp

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) is increasingly utilized in emergency departments (EDs) to expedite diagnostic processes. This study evaluates the impact of RDT on ED efficiency and clinical outcomes.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital from January 2010 to December 2011. The study included 12,500 patients who received either RDT (n = 6,500) or traditional laboratory testing (n = 6,000). Primary outcomes were time from ED arrival to diagnosis, time from diagnosis to treatment, and total length of ED stay. Secondary outcomes included hospital admission rates, ICU transfer rates, and 30-day readmission rates.

Results: RDT use significantly reduced the time to diagnosis (1.9 vs. 3.6 hours, p < 0.001), time to treatment (0.7 vs. 1.3 hours, p < 0.001), and total ED stay (4.8 vs. 7.2 hours, p < 0.001). The RDT group had lower hospital admission rates (35.2% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.041) and 30-day readmission rates (12.1% vs. 14.6%, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed variable effects based on the condition treated.

Conclusion: RDTs significantly enhance ED efficiency and improve some clinical outcomes by shortening diagnostic and treatment times and reducing overall length of stay. These findings suggest that implementing RDTs can help address ED overcrowding and improve patient care.

Keywords: Rapid Diagnostic Testing, Emergency Department Efficiency, Diagnostic Turnaround Time, Patient Outcomes, Healthcare Improvement

Paper Id: 231097

Published On: 2013-09-12

Published In: Volume 1, Issue 1, September-October 2013

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