Nurses develop quality improvement model for clinic

ORLANDO, Fla. — Nurses from Duke University Health Systems have developed a quality improvement model for their clinic, according to data presented here at the Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference.

Stephanie B. Puryear, RMA, assessed 80 patients per cycle for three cycles. The first cycle was a baseline for comparison. For the second cycle, the model was initiated, for which one staff member was paired with one provider. The staff member was responsible for their provider’s clinic flow. A licensed nurse became responsible for supervision and complex patient care. For the third cycle, nurses reviewed the roles and responsibilities of all staff members.

Puryear found the model to be successful, as there was a decrease in average time spent by a patient within the clinic. The average total visit time was 73 minutes for cycle one, 75 minutes for cycle two and 63 minutes for cycle three. The average patient time spent with a provider was 58 minutes for cycle one, 66 minutes for cycle two and 52 minutes for cycle three. Furthermore, the average check-in time was 15 minutes for cycle one, 9 minutes for cycle two and 11 minutes for cycle three. After cycle 3, the greatest success was observed. In addition, personal satisfaction and job satisfaction had improved according to a survey of clinical staff. These findings suggest that this model can improve overall visit time, Puryear noted. — by Will Offit

Reference:

Puryear SB. Improving the staffing model within a university based-rheumatology clinic. Poster #8. Presented at: Rheumatology Nurses Society Annual Conference; Aug. 9-12, 2017; Orlando, Fla.

Disclosure: Puryear reports no relevant financial disclosures.