By Cynthia Cisneros
FORT CARSON, Colo. -- The Healthcare Informatics Division (HID) held their first annual Nursing Informatics/Healthcare Informatics Day on May 12 and the response was astounding! The main goal was to educate staff on who they are, what they do, and the benefits of Healthcare Informatics. Often confused with Health Information Technology (HIT)/Information Management Division (IMD), the HID team hoped to drive the message home that Healthcare Informatics "bridges the gap" between Clinicians and Health Information Technology.
The Healthcare Informatics Team is dedicated to providing better care for patients by sparking creativity and developing innovative solutions to out-of-date processes. They find new paths to solving problems while improving the quality and safety of our patients through the application of technology systems. This innovative team consists of a Chief Nursing Information Officer (CNIO), Clinical Workflow Analysts (CWAs), Telehealth Professionals, and Clinical Systems Trainers (CSTs).
The HID team showcased several innovative devices, software, telecommunication technology, and services to increase awareness, educate, and improve staff and patient engagement. One of the activities was the "Slay the Beast, Beat the Dragon"; where employees were provided a script to type and attempt to beat the CSTs using the Dragon Medical Software program (a medical transcription/voice recognition system).
The goal of the activity was to place emphasis on the concept that tools like Dragon; when used appropriately, aids in improving work efficiency. Out of approximately 40 staff members who attempted to beat the dragon, ZERO where successful in beating the Dragon system. Sheri Ferguson, Deputy to the Commander for Quality & Safety stated, "I type pretty fast and I really hate to lose, so I would like to try to Beat the Dragon!" When she was unable to do so, she was convinced that this technology does add great value and every provider should use it to their advantage.
Using 21st century technology, the Telemedicine section demonstrated how telemedicine allows patients to receive healthcare at a distant location through the use of telecommunications equipment eliminating the need for an in-person visit. This new approach addresses many of the barriers in gaining access to care that prevent people from seeking or actively managing their care. The CWAs had a display of tools (i.e. clinical workflow, spaghetti, and cause and effect diagrams) they utilize to identify process issues and concerns. They provided information on how they utilize Business Process Re-engineering within the organization's day-to-day work to optimize system performance and technology utilization.
There was an overwhelming response during Healthcare Informatics Day event, drawing in over 100 patients and staff members. Evans ACH employees were captivated by the displays and activities stating they have never seen anything like this. They enjoyed searching for the answers to the scavenger hunt quiz. Leadership staff supported the event and participated in many of the activities.
The HID team also had an additional event for the evening staff! Teaming up with Chaplain Services, the HID team provided pizza, refreshments, and HID information. This was a way of also thanking the staff for their hard work and dedication to the organization. The evening employees stated they were very grateful for the gesture and the additional informational event provided especially for evening shift workers.
New Beginnings/ Creative Collisions
In an effort to increase organizational awareness of Health Informatics Division (HID), their purpose and skillsets; the new Chief, Maj. May Joyce Vertido saw an opportunity to showcase how they add value to the organization! The team decided to celebrate Nursing Informatics Day and Healthcare Informatics Day together; providing a hands-on interactive service while offering educational materials and staff learning opportunities.
Vertido's key focus has been to re-invigorate their section, educate staff on Healthcare Informatics, and show the value to customers and patients. Immediately after taking this position, the team worked on a new logo and vision statement that aligns with their services. "Care to Connect" is the new HID logo. This stands for a Team that believes in a Collaborative team approach, supporting an Agile health care team, through the use of Revolutionary/Evolutionary innovation, and the pursuit of organizational Efficiency. Their goal and mission is to improve patient care and the clinical work environment through the application of the science of informatics. HID provides informatics support to the end users at the front lines so they are able to deliver Compassionate, Optimal, Noteworthy, Necessary, Empowering, Continuous, and Transparent care to patients/beneficiaries.
Vertido took over as the Chief, HID in March 2017. Vertido has been a nurse for 23 years and a Nursing Informatics Officer for 4 years and brings to Evans a wealth of knowledge. She is very passionate about using innovative solutions to improve quality of care and patient safety; and believes in the optimization and safe implementation of available technological tools.
New staff, a new vision statement, and new logo are just a few changes reflected in their section! The team believes in a collaborative approach, developing a team logo and vision statement was a team effort with members providing their input. The team works on projects collaboratively, bringing in different ideas and skill sets, creating a "creative collision" of the minds! They believe in empowering and mentoring one another. They also believe in the HRO principles of deferring to expertise, rather than authority. The team continues to work on teambuilding and improving morale. They have completed multiple joint activities as a way to get to know each other; to include an after-work routine physical exercise program led by one of their CWAs. The HID team continues to work together to find ways to build morale and continue on their journey to building a high performance team and continuing to provide excellent customer service.
Related Links:
Evans Army Community Hospital web page
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