Introducing a new nursing administration function at AUBMC : active bed management -

Abstract

Aim: Healthcareorganizations worldwide face the problem of having available beds to admit patients requiring hospitalization obstacle which is vacant beds for admission of patients. One of the major consequences of the problem is overcrowding in emergency departments (EDs) due to the inability to admit patients to clinical floors.The aim of this project is to propose the appointment of a nurse bed manager at AUBMC to implement a new nursing administration function – active bed management (ABM). The role of the active nurse bed manager will be to improve the organization of patient discharge procedures from clinical floors and facilitate the transfer of ED patients to inpatient units.Method: A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify the functions of active bed mangers by country and profession. Online advertisements of bed manager positions were accessed to locate position descriptions. A position description suitable for introducing the role at AUBMC was prepared and graded. The cost of the role for the first three years of appointment was estimated. A force field analysis (FFA) was undertaken to assess the likely success of the role at AUBMC.Results: There is evidence that introduction of the ABM role is successful in reducing boarding times in EDs and in improving patient safety. The ABM role is undertaken by physicians, nurses or interdisciplinary teams in the United States. The role has the potential to reduce costs and to generate income.Conclusion: It is feasible to introduce the role of active bed manager (ABM) at AUB. At minimum the position would need to be graded at a minimum of Grade 12 to attract a nurse with the required qualifications to the role: a Master in Nursing Science Degree and at least five years relevant experience. The cost of introducing the role over the first three years is estimated at XXX. These costs may be somewhat off-set by possible savings and potential income generation.