Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Supply Chain Management • Patient Safety • Quality Assurance

Patient Flow

Term from Healthcare Services industry explained for recruiters

Patient Flow refers to how patients move through a healthcare facility, from admission to discharge. It's like managing traffic in a hospital or clinic to ensure patients get the care they need efficiently. This includes managing wait times, bed assignments, scheduling, and coordinating between different departments. Healthcare facilities focus on Patient Flow because it affects patient satisfaction, quality of care, and how efficiently the facility operates. When someone mentions Patient Flow in their resume, they're typically talking about their experience in making healthcare operations run more smoothly.

Examples in Resumes

Improved Patient Flow by reducing emergency department wait times by 30%

Led Patient Flow initiatives resulting in better bed utilization across 5 hospital units

Implemented new Patient Flow Management system that decreased discharge times by 25%

Coordinated Patient Flow and capacity planning during COVID-19 surge periods

Typical job title: "Patient Flow Managers"

Also try searching for:

Patient Flow Coordinator Bed Flow Manager Healthcare Operations Manager Patient Transport Manager Capacity Manager Patient Access Manager Patient Flow Specialist

Where to Find Patient Flow Managers

Professional Associations

Online Resources

Job Boards

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How have you handled a crisis situation affecting patient flow across multiple departments?

Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership in coordinating between departments, quick decision-making, and ability to maintain quality care during high-stress situations. They should mention specific examples of managing bed capacity, staff allocation, and communication strategies.

Q: What strategies have you implemented to improve patient flow metrics facility-wide?

Expected Answer: Candidate should discuss specific improvements they've led, such as reducing wait times, improving discharge processes, or implementing new systems. They should mention measuring results and working with different departments.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you coordinate with different departments to ensure smooth patient flow?

Expected Answer: Look for experience in working with various hospital departments, understanding of communication protocols, and knowledge of how different units affect overall patient flow.

Q: What methods do you use to track and improve patient discharge times?

Expected Answer: Candidate should discuss experience with tracking systems, working with medical staff, and implementing processes to make discharge more efficient.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What do you think are the most important factors in maintaining good patient flow?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of patient flow concepts like communication, coordination between departments, and importance of tracking wait times and bed availability.

Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple departments need beds at the same time?

Expected Answer: Look for understanding of basic prioritization, ability to communicate with different departments, and knowledge of hospital protocols.