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How to Improve Telemetry Monitoring
By tightening up processes and communication, this telemetry team improved the way it monitors patients.
- A patient deprived of oxygen for 4 to 6 minutes can suffer brain damage.
- Creating reminders for staff to check monitors
Fast Pass Reduces Unneeded Tests
The lab team saved time and money when it identified which tests oncology patients actually needed, they created a pass to get patients to the front of the line, and fast-tracked the processing of tests.
- Getting the patient through the lab more quickly gets them diagnosed sooner.
- A "golden ticket" fast track system ensured patients got the tests they needed
Speak Up on Patient Malnutrition
The nutrition team improved communication to better identify and treat malnourished patients.
- Patients with malnutrition may not be apparent during short hospital stay.
- Using key phrases to identify malnourished patients
Speeding Up Door-to-Door Trips
Transport time dropped when this team coordinated with other departments, ensured labs and meds were ready and made other improvements.
- A long wheelchair ride is inefficient and poor patient service.
- Getting better chairs improved transport times
Communication Goes a Long Way
Member satisfaction increased once folks on the pediatrics unit began a campaign to improve communication with each other.
- A happy staff is a productive staff and better serves the members.
- Having short, informal but frequent meetings
The Key to Great Service: Call and Response
Service scores shot up when this oncology team paired a nurse with a buddy to help with patient response.
- Responding to a patient’s needs is central to their care.
- Pairing with a buddy can shorten patient response times
Young Asthma Patients Need Refills
Pediatrics department identified asthmatic patients and explained the benefits of inhaled corticosteroids, increasing the number of refills for patients who needed them.
- Taking medication regularly helps patients manage their asthma.
- Reaching out to asthma patients to recommend refilling their medications
Go Blue to Green and Save
A Med/Surg unit set up designated bins in operating rooms for blue wrap recycling and educated staff about proper use, helping save money and protect our earth.
- Recycling blue wrap saves money and helps the environment.
- Placing blue wrap recycling container in operating rooms
Always Answer the Phone
This oncology department's service scores went up when it corrected wrong numbers, added voice mail and made other improvements.
- Providing the best service to our patients and members means being there for them.
- Providing correct phone numbers is a good first step
Be Quiet. Respect Nap Time
When this mother/baby unit instituted a regular nap time, moms got more rest and the success for breastfeeding increased.
- Nap times help reduce the number of requests for respite care.
- Created an afternoon nap time, and communicated to staff and family about this quiet period
Easing the Pain
The maternity team's laser-focus on pain management helps it keep service scores high. standardized pain medication schedules, communicated when next meds were scheduled, and reinforced the "no-pass" policy.
- Helping new moms manage pain is a key part of providing excellent service.
- Standardizing pain medication schedules
Accurate Logs = Better Care
The histology team clarified their log sheets, discussed their goals and set deadlines, and double-checked the logs to ensure quality.
- Complying with the documentation process is necessary for quality outcomes.
- Clarifying log sheets can help improve accurate documentation