Working for Change

Dad has been working hard helping the long term missionaries develop changes. I will let him tell you some of the things he has been up to...

Apart from the amazing Safari that Em has already wrote about, I’ve had a very productive and enjoyable time the past couple of weeks. There is no shortage of improvements to suggest, design and implement in the hospital. The doctors, nurses and interns have all been very encouraging and grateful for my contribution. It’s fun to meet with various people from all areas of the hospital including Administrator, Finance Director, Medical Superintendant, Nursing Superintendant, IT, Supply, Registration, Medical Records, Ward Charge Nurses, Lab Director, Imaging Director, etc. Apart from my role as Medical Consultant and Intern supervisor, I have basically assumed a role as operations and quality improvement designer which I love. There are lots of challenges in dealing with different personality types, some of which are adverse to change. Before we leave, I hope to have the design, training and implementation plan in place for changes in the following areas:

• Order Processing - Chart Flags for every chart (4 options – Pink Side - Orders, Stat Order;
• Green Side - Nurse Task, Completed); I/O Monitoring protocol; Special Observations protocol;
• Glucose monitoring and insulin order sheet protocol; Diet Flag to be placed on on wall above bed
• Chart Labelling and Storage
• Lab Requisitions – revision and restocking
• Phlebotomies - work flow redesign
• Imaging – revised requisitions, US booking protocol, X-ray file stamp and improved storage system
• Nursing - Nursing Progress Notes form for bedside chart; Nursing Cardex Summary Sheet; Improved medication delivery system
• Clinician Documentation - Improved Orders/Progress Notes form;
• Hospitalization/Summary Sheet – to replace the current Discharge Summary Sheet
• Registration - Improved registration and triage processes
• Blood Donations – system to increase the number of blood donors to alleviate the chronic blood shortage (surgeries are often cancelled due to lack of blood)
• Interns – updated job descriptions and protocols
• Visiting Medical Staff – help update orientation package
• Consultants – updated job descriptions and protocols
• Documentation protocols
• Patient Education Materials
• Emergency Care Protocols – documentation and posting of relevant protocols in Casualty, Medicine Ward, Operating Room and Recovery Room

So with 7 work days left, we have a stimulating challenge ahead of us. It’s also been great having the kids and their Mom to help out with some of the above projects.

Enjoying the Journey!
Dad