Assessing the need for a fast track unit at AUBMC emergency department

The literature reports prevalence of overcrowding in emergency departments worldwide due to increased presentations for minor complaints. One reported solution to this problem is the establishment of fast track units. Several studies indicated that a fast track unit has a positive impact on patient satisfaction by decreasing waiting time, length of stay, and left-without being-seen rates of patients with low acuities. Self observation at the American University of Beirut Medical Center emergency department seems to suggest that it is struggling with overcrowding as well. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the need for the establishment of a fast track unit. In this study we propose to use a retrospective blind chart review of patients presenting to the emergency department. The variables that were extracted from the medical records, calculated and analyzed were: mean waiting time, length of stay, and left without being seen rate of patients presenting with minor chief complaints. Data suggests the need for a fast track unit at AUBMC.