Which action should a hospital administrator consider to improve emergency room visits related to adverse weather events?

Implementing a permanent quality improvement (QI) team is a strategic choice for addressing the challenges presented by emergency room visits during adverse weather events. This approach provides a structured, ongoing method to assess and refine hospital protocols, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to patients in emergencies.

A permanent QI team can systematically collect data on the patterns and outcomes of emergency room visits during adverse weather conditions. This analysis can lead to targeted interventions, such as improving patient flow, optimizing resource allocation, and ensuring that the hospital can respond effectively to surges in demand. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the hospital can adapt its strategies based on real-world experiences, which is crucial during unpredictable adverse weather situations.

The establishment of a QI team also enables the hospital to respond proactively by integrating best practices, conducting staff training, and developing comprehensive disaster response plans. This framework not only enhances the hospital's readiness for emergency situations but also supports better overall organizational resilience and patient safety during adverse weather events.