Mount Sinai Brooklyn launches FastER Track program in the emergency department

Mount Sinai Brooklyn has launched a FastER Track program in its emergency department (ED) that will expedite care for patients, especially those with non-urgent medical needs. This new system separates patients based on the seriousness of their conditions, thus reducing wait times and providing faster results from onsite diagnostic testing.

"This model expedites care for all patients and allows our providers to give equal attention to the sickest of patients, who require complex testing, and patients with common ailments that may need only an examination and prescription," said Scott Lorin, MD, President of Mount Sinai Brooklyn.

During a pilot of FastER Track in Mount Sinai Brooklyn's ED, the arrival-to-first provider time decreased by more than half to under 10 minutes; length of stay decreased by about 11.5 minutes for patients with non-urgent conditions; and turnaround times decreased for walk-in patients.

FastER Track will result in patients seeing a provider within minutes upon arrival for an assessment. For example, patients with minor ailments, such as sore throats, urinary tract infections, or rashes, will be sorted in the system and treated rapidly. These patients are generally healthier and can be diagnosed through a physical or point-of-care test. If further diagnostics are needed, such as an X-ray or lab test, they will be referred to areas of the ED where that testing is conducted. The previous model focused treatment efforts on the most serious cases before diverting resources to patients with low-acuity conditions.

"This is important for our community hospital. This structural triage provides the appropriate path for patients who want to receive exceptional care and be discharged as quickly as possible," said Deborah Dean, MD, Director of the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Brooklyn.

"If more advanced care is needed, patients will have access to world-class specialists who are based in our hospital, including surgeons, oncologists, and cardiologists, as well as physicians throughout the health system," said Peter Shearer, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Mount Sinai Brooklyn.

FastER Trask has also been shown to improve patient satisfaction. In a recent survey, patients triaged via FastER Track responded positivity to their experience in the ED:

"Best service ever. That's where I'll forever go when I need care."

"The care was exceptional. The provider in the intake area was Diana, and my nurse was Lilibeth. I was seen immediately and was treated with care and compassion. The entire team was amazing. Thank you!"

"Did not have to wait to be seen. Patient care was prioritized over financials."

"First time ED visit. Staff was very attentive and worked diligently to show importance in providing me the care and testing needed. Diagnosis and treatment were explained thoroughly."

Provided by The Mount Sinai Hospital