“Patient flow is the movement of patients through a healthcare facility. It involves the medical care, physical resources, and internal systems needed to facilitate the entire patient journey while maintaining quality and patient / provider satisfaction. Improving patient flow is a critical component of process management in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.” – according to “What is Patient Flow?” in NEJM Catalyst, 1 January 2018.

Streamlining client and patient flow means improving coordination of care, client and patient safety, and health outcomes by optimally meeting the demand for care, and moving patients through care pathways quickly and efficiently. Through a Patient Flow Centre for instance, Digital Twins of departments or even entire hospitals can expedite continuous improvements.

Poorly streamlined client and patient flow can lead to long access and waiting times and even adverse health outcomes, in the form of re-admissions and mortality. Inefficient scheduling can lead to units becoming overcrowded, and staff and support services being stretched.