Optimizing inpatient bed management in a rural community-based hospital: a quality improvement initiative.

Background: Appropriate use of available inpatient beds is an ongoing challenge for US hospitals. Historical capacity goals of 80% to 85% may no longer serve the intended purpose of maximizing the resources of space, staff, and equipment. Numerous variables affect the input, throughput, and output of a hospital.

Implementation of a pediatric bed prioritization process in a rural Minnesota community-based hospital.

Inpatient capacity constraints have been a pervasive challenge for hospitals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mayo Clinic Health System - Southwest Minnesota region primarily serves patients in rural southwestern Minnesota and part of Iowa and consists of 1 postacute care hospital, 1 tertiary care medical center, and 3 critical access hospitals. The main hub, Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota, has a pediatric unit with dedicated pediatric hospitalists.