Samir Alkhouri (Medicine) won first place for Best Medical Student Poster on Feb. 1 at the Clark County Medical Society Symposium for his research on improving emergency department (ED) efficiency through nurse standing orders. Along with co-authors Waseem Musleh and Dr. Nicholas Stark from Merced Mercy Medical Center, Alkhouri developed and implemented a protocol allowing nurses to initiate diagnostic tests for common emergency complaints such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain. This proactive approach reduces wait times, minimizes the number of patients leaving without being seen, and ultimately improves patient care. The study includes a five-year data analysis of approximately 350,000 patients, using statistical methods to measure the impact of standing orders on ED length of stay, elopement rates, and treatment times. Despite challenges such as staff resistance, workflow integration, and electronic medical record (EMR) implementation, the research demonstrates a promising method to streamline emergency care. Alkhouri’s achievement highlights the importance of operational efficiency in healthcare and showcases how structured nurse-driven protocols can enhance patient outcomes in high-volume medical settings. His work significantly contributes to hospital systems seeking to improve emergency care without compromising quality.
