Workflows and Nursing Care Delivery
![](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2tGF7kWMds/VsudTazhJOI/AAAAAAAAABo/98_s3J3Gbik/s1600/Workflow.jpg)
A
workflow is the sequence of processes through which a piece of work passes from
initiation to completion. It is the set of tasks—grouped chronologically into
processes—and the set of people or resources needed for those tasks, that are
necessary to accomplish a given goal (NCBI). This can take shape in any number
of ways in the healthcare setting. Nurses are faced with difficult scenarios in
having to prioritize patient care, establish relationships and maintain high
standards while technology platforms have faltered in keeping up with the
demands of nursing workflow.
THE WORKFLOW PROBLEM
Many opportunities for development of HER documentation platforms have emerged in recent years. The initial concept of an ideal workflow in which the nurse had access to a stationary computer was quickly recognized in being insufficient (Heslop et al. 2011). The importance of having ready access to mobile devices has become a significant challenge in the ICU where I work.
The
nurses have to log into multiple devices and loose information if pulled away.
The ideal workflow is that the nurse has the time to carefully document each
series of events and assessments. But the workflow for the day demands that the
nurse has to pass all medications and assess patients early rather than late.
By the time testing, transfers, admissions, discharges, and all manner of
challenges present, the nurses cannot document in a timely manner. This is
cause for concern. When information is not entered in a timely manner,
important detail can be lost, increasing the risk of documenting on the wrong
patient, and any number of other errors.
MORE ACCESS: BETTER CARE
A BETTER WAY
Evidence
reveals that nurses having to log into multiple devices is problematic and
interrupts workflows. The solution is a personalized, wireless access device
that can go anywhere with capability to access records, scan medications, and
document patient care in the EHR. (Parker & Baldwin. 2008). The access to
real-time electronic chart information and access decision-support mechanisms. Failure
to comply with medication bar coding can be a major safety concern with
work-arounds impeding safe processes. The introduction of a wireless device
would allow the ICU nurses to seamlessly access EHRs and document care
delivered. The Infographic below provides a description of the workflow.
THE NEW WORKFLOW: PLANNING AND PROCESS
References
Parker, C., &
Baldwin, K. (2008). Mobile device improves documentation workflow and nurse
satisfaction. CARING Newsletter, 23(2), 14-18 5p.
Heslop
et al. (2011). Enhancing Clinical Nurse Workflow through Redesign of Networked
Wireless Laptop Computers. Electronic
Journal of Health Informatics, 6(3).
Patient
Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses Organizational Workflow and
Its Impact on Work Qualityhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2638/
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