MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is introducing a new initiative to reduce emergency department wait times, enabling patients to receive treatment faster and be discharged more quickly. As part of its ongoing emergency department expansion, MercyOne is adopting a split-flow model which directs patients with less serious conditions to a fast-track area, leaving more specialized resources to treat patients with more serious conditions. This dedicated fast-track space has specialized staff who can treat less severe illnesses and injuries, enabling these patients to be discharged sooner. If a fast-track patient needs a higher level of care, they can be transferred to the main emergency department. “Our overall goal is to decrease wait times while prioritizing patient safety and comfort,” said Dr. Sydney Leach, emergency department medical director, in a prepared statement. “Quicker wait times also reduces overcrowding which increases patient satisfaction.” Part of this project involved remodeling an existing patient care area next to the emergency department to accommodate fast-track patients. Refinements to the triage process and patient flow patterns will continue to be made in the coming months. The new split-flow model is set to take effect Monday.