Solving Operational Challenges to Reduce Risk

In looking for ways to reduce risk in the emergency department (ED), caregivers know they must have well-defined processes in place that deliver consistent results. Without these, even the most highly-trained physicians and nurses may fail.

Many hospitals are deploying a set of simple philosophies, tools and principles known as the Lean Method or Six Sigma as their method of problem solving. But what if your medical facility has not adopted either Lean or Six Sigma yet? Does this preclude your ED from utilizing these proven methodologies for process improvement?

EPIC’s CEO, Ed Boudreau, DO, FAACP, FAAEM, introduces these concepts in EPIC’s Lean Methods video as another tool that can be used to reduce variation in your practice and improve operations.

Vital Signs at Discharge

A 2007 study indicated that abnormal vital signs are the most common predictor of death following discharge. Fast forward. We continue to see records of discharged ED patients with abnormal vital signs that were not addressed by the physician prior to patient disposition.

EPIC’s recent Alert on this topic summarized critical steps that should be taken to ensure vital signs are repeated when indicated. These include clearly defining which patients must have vital signs taken prior to discharge and, we emphasize this next step, that they be communicated to the physician.

For more on this topic or other issues frequently identified in risk assessments and steps that can be taken to mitigate them, download EPIC’s Alert or contact us.

EPIC Etcetera

• EPIC introduces its new EPIC Advantage Award! Subscribers attending the company’s annual meeting will vote for the recipient of this inaugural award. Selection is based on demonstrating a valuable improvement or innovative solution to clinical or business processes. The ED group which has already implemented an improvement or is preparing to launch one, qualifies as an ‘entrant’. This is a call for participation. Your ED group deserves to be considered for this prestigious award providing recognition in the form of a $5,000 check.

• EPIC’s Annual Meeting of Subscribers is confirmed for April 19, 2012 in Las Vegas. RSVP to Paula Bertoncin at 916.772.2082 or pbertoncin@epicrrg.com

• For those of you with questions about ABEM’s recently updated requirements regarding performance improvement activities, we have published answers to some FAQs in a recent email announcement.