Client Care Conference

Client Care ConferenceProject Manager: Ryan Pienta

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Project OverviewPrivate Duty Home HealthInconsistent client care by multiple disciplines (CNAs, LPNs, RNs, & Admin)Minimal employee training, especially client specificLapses in the consistency of nursing personnel may also effect the nurses ability to detect subtle changes in a patients condition or care needs, potentially increasing the likelihood of hospitalization or emergent care (Russell et al. 2011, p. 37).

Excellent overview of the project, reason/purpose for the project. Project supported by the literature/nursing data bases. References included in last slide

In my workplace (private duty home health) I noticed that the care we provide to our client(s) is not always consistent. Inconsistent care can cause many issues for the client and for the caretakers that follow. Other than initial orientation, employees receive very little client specific training. This quality improvement will allow staff to more easily provide safe and consistent care as well as increased client comfort.

To achieve this, I arranged for a client care conference. All staff assigned to this client were to attend. The conference focused on specific client diagnosiss and care needs. Some of our staff members are certified nurse assistants (CNAs) who have little to no medical education. Holding this conference educated all staff members and gave us a chance to share ideas and concerns.

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Project Goals & ObjectivesImprove the consistency of care provided to a specific client by April 17th as measured by staff satisfaction and patient outcomes.Staff collaborationLiterature reviewClient and caretaker educationSuccessfully encourage St. Johns Health Care administration to implement a new in-service/care conference policy by April 17, 2016.Results presented to administration

(10 points) Goals and objectives supported the project with additional emphasis on evidence-based practice/nursing data bases

This project had two main goals. First: Improve the consistency of care provided to a specific client by April 17th as measured by staff satisfaction and patient outcomes. This was to be done through literature review, staff collaboration, and client and caretaker education.

Successfully encourage St. Johns Health Care administration to implement a new in-service/care conference policy by April 17, 2016. This was to be done by presenting results to administration.

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Quality & SafetyConference will offer education for staff members and family membersTracking tool allows us to see trends in patient statusThompson (2013) explains The key to effective patient care is to identify if the patient is getting better or worse, and then act on it quickly before they deteriorate (para. 5).

(20 points) Excellent description identifying how this project contributed to creating a culture of quality and safety.

The care conference offers education to all staff members and even family members. A new tracking tool was implemented to monitor client bowel movements. This tool also incorporates bowel medications such as suppositories and stool softeners. This allows us to more safely care for our client, while also keeping him on a consistent routine. Thompson (2013) explains The key to effective patient care is to identify if the patient is getting better or worse, and then act on it quickly before they deteriorate (para. 5). Providing more consistent care will also allow us to better assess and monitor our clients.

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Process, Progress, & Completion

10 pts - An excellent analysis of the progress and completion of the project

Once my goals were established, I set out to discuss what areas of care that could use improvement. I met with the care team individually and in small groups to determine what topics we wanted to cover and what aspects of our operations to focus on.

Once we came to an agreement, it was time for literature research and material preparation. Team collaboration was an on going process as satisfaction assessments were completed before and after.

The actual care conference was held and numerous staff members were able to attend. Our employer agreed to compensate employees for their time, which definitely increased attendance. The conference included two patient diagnoses, their pathophysiology, and a new tracking tool for staff to use with charting.

After a few weeks of implementation, staff gave their input. Final results were then presented to administration.

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ResultsClient specific, continuing to use new tracking tool, finding patternsProcess of approving a new policy regarding care team meetings agency wideConsidering call-in feature for staffNew position: Clinical Educator

Within the test client, we have continued to use the new tracking tool. This tool has allowed us to view client data on a larger scale, while discovering different patterns.Administration is currently in the process of approving a new policy that requires regular care team meetings. Rather than an in person meeting, they are considering the option of allowing staff members to call into a telephone or video conference. The agency has also created a new position titled clinical educator. This person will be responsible for continued employee education as well as client care team meetings.

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Ethical & Professional IssuesNo ethical concernsOne team member was terminated Distraction to the team and lowered team moraleContinued to motive team and focused on project purpose

(10 points)An excellent analysis of ethical/professional issues encountered during the project

Thankfully there were no ethical concerns with this project. However, a problem we encountered was the termination of one of our team members. Fortunately he did not have a major role in the project, but it was distracting to the team. As a result, I was determined to keep team morale up and did so by continually motivating and communicating with team members. Heldman (2005) states that it is up to the project manager to motive the team in terms of the project purpose. This helped them to stay focused on our end goal.

Heldman, K. (2005). Project management jump start. (3rd ed.) San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.7

Lessons LearnedAs a project manager, I have learned the many challenges of leading a major initiative. CommunicationMotivationFollow upTimeline and organization

(20 points) An excellent summary of personal lessons and professional growth as a nurse leader and project manager. Included discussion of collaborative leadership role

As a project manager, I have learned the many challenges of leading a major initiative. Communication was a huge component of this project. I was constantly in contact with my case manger. Leading the care conference was also a challenge, as I had not anticipated the base knowledge of some of the CNAs. However, this allowed for great staff interaction. Motivation and follow up were also more important than I had expected. I regularly checked in with staff to make sure they were up to date with the project. I also needed to follow up with my case manager about upper level requirements. Having a well organized timeline really improved the process of this project. I dont normally created lists and deadlines, but this is something I will utilize more from now on. 8

ReferencesHeldman, K. (2005). Project management jump start. (3rd ed.) San Francisco, CA: Jossey- Bass.Russell, D., Rosati, R., Rosenfeld, P., & Marren, J. (2011). Continuity in home health care: Is consistency in nursing personnel associated with better patient outcomes?. Journal For Healthcare Quality, 33(6), 33-39.http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1945-1474.2011.00131.xThompson, R. (2013). New nurse tip: The magic of trending. Retrieved from http://newnursesuccessshop.blogspot.com/2013/09/new-nurse-tip-magic-of-trending.html

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