June 2024
Executive Summary
The nursing profession operates within a highly complex environment, where effective communication is critical for ensuring patient safety and achieving positive outcomes. Miscommunication during the handoff process is a significant contributor to near-miss events and adverse outcomes, which can jeopardize patient safety, reduce staff satisfaction, and negatively impact the financial stability and reputation of healthcare facilities. This business plan proposes the development and implementation of a standardized handoff communication checklist for patients undergoing ambulatory surgery at Riverwalk Surgery Center (RWSC). The objective is to decrease adverse events and enhance staff satisfaction by improving the accuracy and completeness of information exchanged during handoffs. This proposal outlines the rationale, cost considerations, implementation strategy, and anticipated outcomes associated with the process change.
Introduction
Effective handoff communication is essential for ensuring continuity of care and minimizing the risk of errors during patient transitions. The Joint Commission has identified handoff communication as a critical component of its National Patient Safety Goals, highlighting the need to address communication failures that contribute to adverse events. At RWSC, near-miss events or sentinel events occur in approximately 70% of handoff situations, indicating a pressing need for process improvement. This business plan will present a detailed approach to implementing a standardized handoff communication checklist, with the aim of enhancing patient safety, improving staff satisfaction, and ultimately supporting the facility’s mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
Proposal Cover Letter
Lisa Pettit
913 Creighton Dr.
Fort Myers, FL 33919
June 16, 2024
Deborah Sparks, Administrator
Riverwalk Surgery Center
8350 Riverwalk Park Blvd, Suite 4
Fort Myers, FL 33919
Dear Mrs. Sparks,
As the clinical leader at Riverwalk Surgery Center (RWSC), it is my responsibility to continuously assess and improve our processes to ensure the highest standards of patient safety, outcomes, and satisfaction. Recent discussions have highlighted the impact of near-miss and adverse events on patient care, as well as the financial repercussions associated with these events. A critical area of concern is the handoff process, where 70% of near-miss or sentinel events occur due to lapses in communication.
To address this issue, I propose the implementation of a standardized handoff communication checklist for patients undergoing ambulatory surgery. This checklist is designed to ensure that all pertinent information is accurately and thoroughly communicated during handoffs, thereby reducing the risk of errors and enhancing patient safety. The proposed process change is aligned with our facility’s commitment to providing safe, high-quality care that improves patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.
Cost and Resources: The implementation of the checklist will require minimal financial investment, as the primary costs will involve staff training and time allocated for the development and integration of the checklist into our existing processes. No additional equipment or materials will be necessary.
Implementation Plan: The process change will begin with staff education, focusing on the importance of thorough communication during handoffs and the correct use of the checklist. Training sessions will include role-playing scenarios and discussions on best practices. The checklist will be piloted in a controlled environment, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments based on feedback from staff and patients.
Financial Impact: By improving communication and reducing the incidence of adverse events, we anticipate a positive financial impact, including reduced costs associated with extended patient stays, readmissions, and potential legal issues. Additionally, enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction are likely to contribute to improved reimbursement rates and the overall reputation of RWSC.
I am confident that with your approval and support, we can implement this process change effectively and achieve significant improvements in patient safety and staff satisfaction.
Thank you for your consideration of this proposal.
Sincerely,