The Utilization Management System (UM System) is intended to provide daily information to answer the question, “What is keeping Mr. Jones in hospital?”

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority implemented the UM System to encourage consistent utilization management practices at all sites, while using evidence-based systems based on best practice. This computerized utilization system captures objective and quantifiable bed utilization information.

The information captured from the UM System identifies opportunities for internal and external process changes, as well as identifying the need for alternate settings of care (ASC) which can delay discharge.

The UM System will be implemented in acute care settings in five stages.

Stage One: Pilot - Nine units

• Grace General Hospital, four medical units
• St. Boniface General Hospital, five medical units
• Completed in March 2005

Stage Two: Medicine, Family Medicine, Cardiac Sciences and Geriatric-Rehab - 21 units

• Complete at all six acute care facilities- January 30, 2006

Stage Three: Child Health Medicine - Four units

• Complete at Children’s Hospital - February 23, 2006

Stage Four: Mental Health - 12 units

• Complete at five acute sites - December 2006

Stage Five: Surgery - 18 units

• January to December of 2007 at six acute sites

Who Benefits

• The entire health care team
• Patients / families / significant others
• Health care administrators and planners

Clinical Benefits

• Decreases patient length of stay (LOS)
• Improves patient flow within the acute care setting
• Ensures patients are being treated in the right setting of care at the right time for the right amount of time

Administrative Benefits

• Provides objective data to address issues related to LOS
• M System tells health care providers and health care administrators what change(s) are required (i.e. reasons for delay)
  • Internal processes
  • External processes
  • Alternate setting of care capacity (ASC)

Major Milestones

• Stage One completed in March 2005.
• Stage Two completed in February 2006.
• Stage Three completed in April 2006.
• Stage Four completed in December 2006.