Effective And Smooth Workflow In Nursing

Creating a flowchart and analyzing workflow
To achieve good patient outcomes and increased patient safety, it is important for nurses to have an effective and smooth workflow. Workflow is the action of a series of consecutive steps used to add value to the organization’s activities by carrying out a task thoroughly but efficiently (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2015, p. 231). To improve workflow many organizations are adopting the use of health information technology (HIT), but if the technology is not properly designed to fit the goals and activities of the organization, it could be a hindrance. One way to determine if the HIT is a good fit or not is to analyze the system for the manifestation of redundant information, non-value added steps, and
The first step is to make sure the physician has written an order for discharge in the patient’s physical chart. If there is not an order, then the nurse should clarify with the physician as to whether the patient is going to be discharged or not. If the physician states that the patient will not be discharged, then stop the process of completing the discharge and resume care as planned. If the patient will be discharged, then the nurse should make sure that an order is written in the chart and that the patient has met all the criteria of the discharge order prior to beginning the discharge process. If patient has not met the criteria of the discharge order, notify physician. If patient has met criteria, then proceed with discharge process. Ensure that the physician has completed the written discharge instructions sheet, that all needed prescriptions are written or transmitted to pharmacy of patient’s choice. Physicians can send prescriptions directly to the pharmacy via an E-prescribing system. This is due to the EHR incentive program, objective 4, stating that more than 10 percent of hospital discharge medication orders are transmitted electronically using CEHRT (CMS, 2016). Next, make sure that the patient has all medical equipment needed and has the proper training for use. If all paperwork is completed and patient has proper equipment, the nurse should check patient vital signs and assess and treat any pain as ordered. Any IV’s or other lines should be removed by the nurse or CNA II. Now the nurse can start to complete the discharge assessment in the electronic health record, review and print all forms to provide patient with a copy (See the process of completing a discharge assessment below); check that the follow up appointment is made and patient is aware of the details, and all forms are signed by