Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP
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J Public Health Manag Pract · Jan 2003
Assuring community emergency care capacity with collaborative Internet tools: the Milwaukee experience.
Hospital overcrowding and diversion of ambulances from emergency departments are being recognized as increasing problems in the health care system. This article, a descriptive narrative, examines the various factors contributing to the problem and describes how collaborative approaches to public health issues can be applied. ⋯ The use of a technological tool to assist with tracking and reporting on ambulance diversion and emergency department overload is explained, and data are provided to show the impact of various methods to blunt the impact of the flu season on diversion frequency. The article encourages use of similar collaborative approaches and Internet-based technology to address other public health problems.
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Systems analysis is an approach used in situations requiring high reliability. In the past, the investigation and prevention of clinical error focused on the actions of individuals. ⋯ Recent analysis of a clinical error that occurred in public health practice identified multiple factors contributing to its occurrence. The use of the systems analysis approach resulted in high staff satisfaction and creative suggestions for operating a safer clinic and providing better patient care.