Read a selection of your colleagues’ blog posts and respond to two of your colleagues by expanding upon their responses or sharing additional or alternative perspectives.
PEER #1
Sabita Bhusal
Impact of the Practice Problem and Implemented Changes
Throughout this practicum experience, identifying the practice problem, proposing practice changes, and implementing those changes presented considerable challenges. Nevertheless, by articulating the benefits and enduring impact of the project, it became feasible to effectuate the desired practice changes(Laukka et al., 2020). Initially, our busy clinic’s lack of time for patient consultations led to several critical issues, including rushed patient interactions, insufficient time for thorough assessments, and decreased patient satisfaction. This practice problem necessitated a comprehensive approach to improve time management and optimize patient care(Nilsen et al., 2020). The implemented changes included using telehealth for simple visits, optimizing the electronic health record (EHR) system, time management workshops for staff, and enhancing patient education materials.
Impact of Practice Change on Healthcare Organizations and Nursing Practice
Telehealth for Simple Visits:
The integration of telehealth for routine consultations, such as medication refills and lab follow-ups, has had a lasting impact. It has reduced the number of in-person visits, allowing for more efficient use of clinic time and resources for more complicated and needed patient care. For example, telehealth consultations have enabled us to accommodate a higher volume of patient interactions in the clinic, particularly during peak hours, while maintaining the quality of care. This has improved patient satisfaction, as they experience shorter wait times and greater convenience and care.
Optimized Electronic Health Record (EHR) System:
Streamlining the EHR system with features like voice recognition and automated documentation has reduced the time providers spend on administrative tasks. This has allowed them to focus more on direct patient care. Reduced documentation time has also decreased the likelihood of burnout among healthcare providers, as they can complete their work more efficiently. The automated processes have minimized errors in patient records, ensuring higher accuracy and reliability in patient data management.
Time Management Workshops for Staff:
The time management workshops have equipped staff with the skills to prioritize tasks and manage their time more effectively. This training has led to improved workflow efficiency and reduced stress among staff members. For example, by implementing techniques learned in these workshops, staff have streamlined their daily routines, leading to a more organized and cohesive work environment. This improved the clinic’s overall efficiency and increased staff morale and job satisfaction.
Enhanced Patient Education Materials:
Developing comprehensive and accessible patient education materials has empowered patients to understand better and manage their health conditions. These materials have been instrumental in reducing the frequency of follow-up visits for clarification, as patients are now better informed. For instance, clear instructions on medication usage and lifestyle modifications have enabled patients to adhere to their treatment plans more effectively, resulting in improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.