A platform to manage emergency department surges and reduce wait times
A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial Designed to Evaluate the Effects of SurgeCon: A Quality Improvement Surge Management Platform
This study is testing a new software system called SurgeCon to see if it can help reduce wait times and improve patient experiences in emergency departments at four hospitals in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20280 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Memorial University of Newfoundland Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04789902 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the critical issue of long wait times and overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) by implementing an innovative quality-improvement intervention called SurgeCon. The approach involves a protocol-driven software platform and various initiatives designed to enhance patient flow and satisfaction. Utilizing a pragmatic stepped wedge cluster randomized trial design, the study will enroll four hospitals in Newfoundland and Labrador, transitioning them from a usual care model to the SurgeCon-enabled care model over a 31-month period. The effectiveness of this intervention will be evaluated based on key performance outcomes and patient-reported experiences.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include all individuals visiting the participating emergency departments during the study period.
Not a fit: Patients who do not visit the participating emergency departments will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce wait times in emergency departments, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar interventions in emergency departments, but the specific SurgeCon approach is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All individuals who visit any of the four selected emergency departments during the study period will be included. Exclusion Criteria: * none
Where this trial is running
Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador and 3 other locations
- Burin Peninsula Healthcare Centre — Burin, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (Recruiting)
- Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital — Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (Recruiting)
- Health Sciences Centre — Saint John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (Recruiting)
- St. Clare's Mercy Hospital — Saint John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shabnam Shabnam, PhD — Memorial University of Newfoundland
- Study coordinator: Shabnam Shabnam, PhD
- Email: Shabnam.Asghari@med.mun.ca
- Phone: 7097772142
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.