Luis F. Eljaiek, Jr., M.D., medical director of the Irene V. Hylton Emergency Care Center at Sentara Potomac Hospital, was quoted in two articles published in the Jan. 1, 2008 issue of ED Management.

The first article, entitled “ED Shrinks LWTs from 8% to Below 1.5%,” reported that Sentara Potomac Hospital reduced its rate of patients who leave without treatment (LWT) from the 8% - 9% range to just under 1.5% range without adding any new staff or hours. When asked about the improvement Eljaiek explained, “We just redeployed our assets and used our space in a different fashion.” Eljaiek went on to explain the revamped system that has benefited patients and staff alike.

Another article, also published in the Jan. 1, 2008 issue, documented how emergency departments can reduce the amount of stress and frustration that patients may experience during their visits. Eljaiek made the recommendation to “Be an active listener, offer reasonable solutions if possible, but at least acknowledge the fact that you have listened to their concerns.”

Eljaiek was listed as a resource for further information in both articles.

ED Management is a national monthly newsletter that provides current information in emergency medical care management to emergency department directors, administrators, physicians, and nurse supervisors. ED Management provides emergency medical personnel with practical and objective coverage on reducing delays and improving patient flow, reducing overcrowding, improving staff and patient satisfaction, complying with federal regulations, and much more.

This page was last updated on June 8, 2011