Computer Simulation to Assess Emergency Department Length of Stay in Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

ObjectivesOur study aimed to identify how emergency department (ED) arrival rate, process of care, and physical layout can impact ED length of stay (LOS) in pediatric traumatic brain injury care.MethodsProcess flows and value stream maps were developed for 3 level I pediatric trauma centers. Computer simulation models were also used to examine "what if" scenarios based on ED arrival rates.ResultsDifferences were observed in prearrival preparation time, ED physical layouts, and time spent on processes. Shorter prearrival preparation time, trauma bed location far from diagnostic or treatment areas, and ED arrival rates that exceed 20 patients/day prolonged ED LOS. This was particularly apparent in 1 center where computer simulation showed that relocation of trauma beds can reduce ED LOS regardless of the number of patients that arrive per day.ConclusionsExceeding certain threshold ED arrival rates of children with traumatic brain injury can substantially increase pediatric trauma center ED LOS but modifications to ED processes and bed location may mitigate this increase.