Think of a workflow improvement that you have seen or think needs to happen. Describe how a workflow design will improve the quality of the process. What changes would be beneficial to make the workflow seamless?
How a workflow design improves the quality of the process?
In many hospital units, patient handoff during shift changes often lacks structure, leading to missed information, inconsistent updates, or miscommunication about patient care. This can result in delays in treatment, medication errors, or compromised patient safety.
How It Improves Quality:
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Consistency: Using a structured format like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) ensures critical information is conveyed in a clear and concise manner.
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Accountability: Electronic documentation creates a record of the handoff, which can be referenced later, increasing transparency and reducing finger-pointing if issues arise.
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Time Efficiency: Nurses spend less time trying to interpret unclear notes or track down off-duty colleagues for clarification.
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Patient Safety: Fewer omissions or misunderstandings mean fewer clinical errors and better continuity of care.
How a workflow design improves the quality of the process?
Beneficial Changes to Make the Workflow Seamless:
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Integration with the EHR
Build the SBAR handoff directly into the electronic health record, so information auto-populates from patient charts (labs, meds, vitals) and nurses only need to fill in key narrative fields. -
Mobile Compatibility
Allow access on tablets or work phones so nurses can complete handoffs at the bedside or during rounding. -
Training and Buy-In
Offer short, hands-on training sessions and emphasize how this system reduces rework and improves safety. Involve frontline staff in testing to get feedback early. -
Alerts and Reminders
Add a gentle alert in the EHR system if handoff documentation isn’t completed by the end of a shift. -
Audit and Feedback
Review handoff quality periodically and share examples of good documentation to reinforce best practices. APA