Taking Advantage of an Opportunity to Change the Work Environment
Kathleen Kane
Nyack Hospital
Dr. Kathleen Kane is currently the Director of Nursing Education, Professional Practice at Nyack Hospital. She is also administratively responsible for several clinical areas including Wound Care and the Infusion Center. Clinically, her background is in Neonatal and Pediatric Nursing. She has also worked in academe. Kathy holds masters degrees in Education and a doctorate in Applied Developmental Psychology.
Candy Mercer
Nyack Hospital
Candy Mercer joined Nyack Hospital in 1994. Her 22 years of experience span all levels of patient care. In 2013 she assumed administrative responsibility for the Hospital’s outpatient Infusion Center when the Hospital’s and physician office services merged. In this role, Candy was responsible for increasing staff, developing policies and procedures, and transforming the physician private practice to a hospital service. Her development of a patient/family orientation program and the institution of a patient navigator role and support services are examples of her advocacy for patients and their families.
Abstract
Aim and Objectives The purpose of this presentation is to describe changes made to the professional work environment of a hospital-based Infusion Center. These changes improved workflow, support a safe environment for the... [ view full abstract ]
Aim and Objectives The purpose of this presentation is to describe changes made to the professional work environment of a hospital-based Infusion Center. These changes improved workflow, support a safe environment for the nurse and other health care professionals, while promoting optimal patient outcomes.
Description of Innovation: In 2014, the opening of a newly expanded Infusion Center at a community hospital presented an opportunity to examine the work environment. Systems related to the physical environment, patient scheduling, as well charting and documentation were examined and changed. In terms of the physical environment, closed system transfer devices (CSTDs) were introduced to reduce the risk of chemotherapy leaks/spills. Patients are now scheduled according to their anticipated length of treatment, thus eliminating the need to transfer the patient to an inpatient bed when the Center closes. A notification system to alert staff regarding patients with a length of stay greater than 30-days and the need for a new physical assessment was developed. There is a continuous flowsheet and medication administration record that is used for each patient for the duration of his/her treatment. Orders are verified using a work cue and the Pharmacists utilize SKYPE when verifying orders and mixing chemotherapy, thus eliminating the need to continuously don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE).
Impact of Innovation: The results of the changes made to the work environment clearly show positive outcomes for patients, by decreasing waiting times and for staff, by improving documentation and by virtually eliminating chemotherapy spills. Patient satisfaction has improved dramatically.
Conclusion and Implications: Over the past two and a half years, we have introduced a number of technological changes as well as implemented changes in nurses' and others' work environment that have improved patient care and satisfaction.
Authors
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Kathleen Kane
(Nyack Hospital)
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Candy Mercer
(Nyack Hospital)
Topic Area
Topics: Innovations in research methodology, education or clinical practice
Session
CI » Innovations (10:30 - Wednesday, 9th November, Seminar Room 0.55)
Presentation Files
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