WGU D458 XBM1 TASK 3 introductions to systems
thinking for health professionals analyzes complex
problems (accurate solutions)
Evaluate the case study using the attached Four Steps Tool.
This report analyzes the persistent emergency room (ER) backlog problem across
University Hospital Central, East, and West using the Four Steps Tool. This analysis identifies
root causes and systemic dynamics contributing to the backlogs and provides high-leverage
recommendations to sustainably manage ER demand and patient care.
The ER system across the three hospitals is unbalanced and overly dependent on
University Hospital Central, leading to recurring emergency room backlogs, longer patient
wait times, and negative health outcomes.
, Step 1: Make the System Visible
System Elements:
Hospitals Involved: University Hospital Central (urban), East, and West (suburban)
Inputs: Emergency patients, ambulance arrivals, staffing, bed availability
Processes: ER triage, treatment, admission/discharge, patient transfers
Outputs: ER throughput, patient outcomes, wait times
Current State:
University Hospital Central, due to its location and proximity to a highway, has always
had the highest ER traffic.
A system-wide strategy was implemented to increase ER capacity only at Central,
allowing it to absorb diverted ambulance patients from East and West during surges.
thinking for health professionals analyzes complex
problems (accurate solutions)
Evaluate the case study using the attached Four Steps Tool.
This report analyzes the persistent emergency room (ER) backlog problem across
University Hospital Central, East, and West using the Four Steps Tool. This analysis identifies
root causes and systemic dynamics contributing to the backlogs and provides high-leverage
recommendations to sustainably manage ER demand and patient care.
The ER system across the three hospitals is unbalanced and overly dependent on
University Hospital Central, leading to recurring emergency room backlogs, longer patient
wait times, and negative health outcomes.
, Step 1: Make the System Visible
System Elements:
Hospitals Involved: University Hospital Central (urban), East, and West (suburban)
Inputs: Emergency patients, ambulance arrivals, staffing, bed availability
Processes: ER triage, treatment, admission/discharge, patient transfers
Outputs: ER throughput, patient outcomes, wait times
Current State:
University Hospital Central, due to its location and proximity to a highway, has always
had the highest ER traffic.
A system-wide strategy was implemented to increase ER capacity only at Central,
allowing it to absorb diverted ambulance patients from East and West during surges.
