Process mapping
Process mapping is a core quality‑improvement (QI) tool for describing, analysing and redesigning clinical and administrative workflows.
By producing a visual record of the sequence of steps, decision points, handoffs and actors in a patient journey or diagnostic pathway, process mapping makes visible delays, duplication, variation and safety risks.
In emergency care-where pathways are frequently complex, time‑critical and multidisciplinary-process maps are the practical starting point for focused improvement work, measurement and iterative testing (PDSA cycles) (NICE, RCEM).
When to use process mapping
- Complex or multi‑team patient journeys (for example: ambulance handovers, major trauma, imaging → disposition).
- Suspected duplication, omissions, unwarranted variation or recurrent delays (for example: frequent re‑imaging, long specialty waits, boarding).
- Designing or introducing new pathways or technology (for example: streaming, point‑of‑care testing, electronic referrals).
- As an early step before clinical audit, driver‑diagram development and PDSA testing (RCEM, NICE).
Prerequisites
- Agreed scope: define precise start and end points for the workshop (for example: “arrival at ED reception” → “admission to ward”).
- Stakeholder list: include front‑line clinicians (relevant grades), nursing, reception/admin, radiology, ward teams, portering/transport, ambulance service and, where appropriate, patient representatives.
- Baseline data: collect timestamps and sample records that will inform the map and later measurement (arrival times, time to first clinician, imaging turnaround).