Identification of Ancillary Department Bottlenecks Increasing Length of Stay

The Capstone team was asked by Cabrini Medical Center to identify issues that affect hospital length of stay (LOS). While various factors may contribute to the increased LOS, one of the most critical issues at CMC is the work processes within key ancillary departments. After assessing five ancillary services in Phase I, the Cardiovascular Lab and Environmental Services Department were chosen for closer assessment in Phase II. The project included conducting interviews, reviewing medical charts, analyzing data, shadowing environmental services staff and observing cardiovascular lab workflow to determine what patterns contributed to inpatient delays. For the final phase of the project, the Capstone team identified the root cause of these delays and provided recommendations to improve efficiency within these two ancillary departments and reduce LOS.

This Capstone was made possible with the support from an anonymous donor through FJC: A Donor-Advised Fund.