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Waiting for emergency care can be daunting, sometimes marked by hours spent in waiting rooms. Patients and their families may experience anxiety as they wait for their turn to see a healthcare provider. Recognizing the need for improvement, Nova Scotia Health has recently introduced a new model of care designed to enhance access and reduce wait times for emergency care.
As part of the Emergency Care Plan announced in January 2023, the Rapid Assessment Zone (RAZ) model implemented at six emergency departments across the province is enhancing the way emergency care is delivered in Nova Scotia. The six facilities include the QEII’s Halifax Infirmary, Colchester East Hants Health Centre, South Shore Regional Hospital, Aberdeen Hospital, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital. At these facilities, up to 30 per cent of patients at emergency departments (ED) are now seen in RAZs.
The RAZ model enables clinicians to manage multiple patients simultaneously in a shared space, as opposed to the traditional approach where each patient occupies a private room until discharge. This setup helps reduce wait times for patients. RAZs feature an assessment room, a shared treatment space, and sometimes a secondary waiting area connected to the ED, allowing for more efficient management of patients. Those who can move independently and do not require a dedicated bed space are directed to these zones.
The model has led to significant improvements, including reduced patient wait times, a lower rate of patients leaving without being seen, and a shorter overall length of stay in EDs.
Patient feedback indicates an improved overall care experience and health care staff are excited about this new model of care. Introduced this past fall, the model involves LPNs, RNs, Nurse Practitioners, and Physicians, leveraging the expertise of various healthcare practitioners.
RAZ has improved patient flow, sped up care for the target group, and freed up resources to improve care for others.
“RAZ has been one of the most impactful initiatives we have completed recently to improve flow,” shared Dr. Janet Sommers, Emergency Department Physician Lead at Colchester East Hants Health Centre.
Many facilities are looking to expand the operation of RAZ, which currently function 8 to 16 hours a day during peak times to manage the highest volume of patients needing the type of care that RAZs provide.
“RAZ has helped alleviate the weight that care providers feel when the waiting room is full, knowing that patients are waiting too long for care,” said Hollie Cameron O’Laney, Emergency Department Manager at the Aberdeen Regional Hospital. “I can’t even begin to tell you how impactful this has been for our emergency department. It is a complete and total game changer!”
The six sites with RAZs recently gathered to share successes and challenges faced at their locations and to learn from each other for improvement. Nova Scotia Health continues to collect, analyze, and review data related to patient flow, wait times and treatment outcomes. Regular data reviews help teams identify trends, make informed decisions, and adjust the RAZ model to enhance its effectiveness.
Through these efforts, Nova Scotia Health is committed to providing timely, efficient, and high-quality emergency care for all Nova Scotians.