The use of rapid flu clinics that are set up outside hospital emergency departments may help ease emergency department overcrowding while still maintaining care for influenza patients, according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
For this study, 6,152 patients with influenza-like illness were assessed from August 2009 to December 2009. Researchers also interviewed flu-positive patients for their perceptions about the care delivered from rapid flu clinics.
Researchers found patients at rapid flu clinics stayed for an average 50 minutes, while patients waited for ambulatory or emergency services for one or three-and-a-half hours, respectively. A majority (88 percent) of patients were satisfied with their care at rapid flu clinics.
The researchers concluded use of rapid flu clinics may ease patient flows while maintaining quality and timely care.
For this study, 6,152 patients with influenza-like illness were assessed from August 2009 to December 2009. Researchers also interviewed flu-positive patients for their perceptions about the care delivered from rapid flu clinics.
Researchers found patients at rapid flu clinics stayed for an average 50 minutes, while patients waited for ambulatory or emergency services for one or three-and-a-half hours, respectively. A majority (88 percent) of patients were satisfied with their care at rapid flu clinics.
The researchers concluded use of rapid flu clinics may ease patient flows while maintaining quality and timely care.
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