Using patient traffic control to reduce treatment delays for high-risk patients at a VA hospital.

Background: For patients at high risk of function-limiting or life-limiting disease, the time elapsed between first clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment can influence the likelihood of treatment success.

Methods: A systematic change in the management of high-risk patients was undertaken. This approach includes identifying primary provider responsibility, establishing communication expectations between providers, developing a tracking system to actively monitor patients (patient traffic control), and using a time guideline to assess patient progression.