Using Weibull model of survival analysis workflow and its relevant factors: A prospective cohort study

One of the most important indicators used in the evaluation of emergency centers is the chronometric analysis of patients’ workflow. The aim of this study was to provide a chronometric analysis of patients’ workflow (patients’ waiting time in the emergency department) and related factors. This hospital-based prospective cohort study was carried out in Khatam al-Anbia hospital in Shoushtar in 2020. Random sampling was used and patients referred to the emergency ward in three shifts based on the ESI 5-level triage system. The research tools were the emergency workflow chronometry form and a questionnaire of determining the factors related to the speed of emergency services and using a stopwatch. In order to analyse the data, Stata software version 16 and Weibull model of survival analysis were used. Of 468 participants, the most common cause of referral was trauma with 21.7%. The median ± interquartile range duration of giving the final result was 6.06 ± 4.48 hours, which was more than 0.54 times shorter in clients with level 3. There was a statistically significant difference in the duration of making the final decision based on the request for testing, manner of referring and the type of initial diagnosis (P < 0.05). The duration of service provision in the studied hospital is appropriate for an Iranian hospital, but it should be closer to international standards. At level 2 triage, patients stayed longer. This can be reduced by lessening the time of consultations which can help the emergency ward.