What does "patient flow" refer to in healthcare process measurement?

In healthcare process measurement, "patient flow" specifically pertains to the efficiency of patient movement through various stages of care. This concept encompasses how smoothly patients transition from one step of their healthcare journey to the next, including registration, evaluation, treatment, and discharge. Analyzing patient flow allows healthcare providers to identify bottlenecks or delays in the process, ensure timely care delivery, and improve overall patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Effective patient flow management can significantly reduce wait times, optimize resource utilization, and enhance the overall operational efficiency of healthcare facilities. By focusing on the entire continuum of care, healthcare organizations can implement strategies to streamline processes, which ultimately leads to better patient experiences and more efficient care delivery.

While other options refer to specific aspects such as registration speed, patient volume, or total time spent in the hospital, they do not comprehensively capture the holistic nature of patient flow, which is centered on the movement through the various stages of care rather than isolated metrics or outcomes.