Quality Improvement Success

07 Feb 2016

By: Tina Morris, care management administrator

A recent quality improvement project test of change conducted as part of Physician Leadership Institute has led to collaboration between Salem Health Medical Group (SHMG) family medicine clinics and Salem Health Infusion and Wound Care resulting in reduced wait times for patients and providers. The successful test of change has now been expanded to the community at large.

What was happening?
SHMG providers were spending excessive time and were unable to obtain same day services at Infusion and Wound Care for patients in need of urgent appointments. Patients were seeking these services either through an outside health system or the emergency department.

Interventions

• A standard work flow was developed for same day referrals to Infusion and Wound Care.
• Infusion and Wound Care created a dedicated same day appointment slot for outpatients referred from any community provider.
• Education was provided to SHMG providers and staff, the Infusion and Wound Care team, and Care Management.

Outcome
SHMG and Infusion and Wound Care now have a shared understanding and standard work flow for same day appointments. These simple interventions have already reduced wait times and improved the experience for both patients and providers. Community providers should be aware there is a same day appointment slot available for urgent needs. The Infusion and Wound Care intake coordinator can be reached at 503-561-5719 opt. 2.