Embedded Files
Problem Statement:
The current analog SBAR system of communication among nurse staff is inefficient and has a high potential for HIPAA violations.
Statement-Restatement
The true problem with the current analog SBAR system is that it is reliant on humans to document the patient analysis correctly and efficiently and to safely transport the documentation to coworkers and superiors. Our primary goal should be to ensure we can create a simple webpage that includes every aspect of an analog SBAR sheet that shall be helpful to nursing staff.
After consulting stakeholders to ensure the webpage is a viable replacement, we shall then connect that information to a database to be stored. We shall subsequently make that database searchable by certain attributes so patient information can be found when necessary, and create a secure login page, connected to another database containing only credentials of professionals with clearance to access sensitive patient information.
Source/Cause Approach
Revision Method
The time-consuming and cumbersome nature of SBAR documentation is due to its reliance on a paper-based system. Furthermore, the risk of potential HIPAA violations escalates when patient information is circulated on paper among nursing staff.
Present State-Desired State Strategy
Present: Nurses are burdened with manual SBAR documentation, risking HIPAA violations and consuming valuable time.
Desired: With our application, nurses shall efficiently input SBAR information digitally, mitigating HIPAA risks and optimizing time management and patient care.
Kepner-Tregoe (KT) Situation Analysis
Timing:
When should the prototype be tested with actual nursing staff?
Is there a special urgency for this project? Or is the current system fine to use while the application is being developed?
Trend:
What is the trend of nurse adaptability when being introduced to a digital system?
Are any medical software companies currently working on something similar? If so, do they have the accessibility to implement this faster?
Impact:
Impact nurse productivity
Impact patient care and medical documentation
Impact patients’ right to HIPAA
Known: SBAR documentation system process is time-consuming and prone to HIPAA violations due to its reliance on paper-based records.
Tasks:
Identify the important factors identified homogenously in the current paper-based SBAR system forms.
Research existing digital solutions and assess their effectiveness in addressing the identified problems.
Determine the essential features and requirements for a digital SBAR application based on user needs and industry standards.
Develop a prototype or mockup of the digital SBAR application to visualize the proposed solution.
Conduct usability testing and gather feedback from nurses to refine the prototype.
Implement necessary security measures to ensure patient data confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
Start to implement into some hospitals, and train nursing staff on how to use the digital SBAR application effectively.
KT Problem Analysis
Problem A) Time-consuming and cumbersome SBAR documentation process:
Potential Causes:
i. Lack of standardized procedures for documenting SBAR information.
ii. Insufficient training provided to nursing staff on efficient documentation techniques.
iii. Ineffective communication channels between nursing shifts, leading to redundant or incomplete documentation.
iv. Complex patient cases requiring extensive documentation, contributing to time-consuming processes.
Likelihood and Impact Assessment:
a. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: High
b. Likelihood: Low, Impact: Moderate
c. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: High
d. Likelihood: High, Impact: High
Problem B) HIPAA compliance risks associated with paper-based records:
Potential Causes:
i. Lack of secure storage mechanisms for paper documentation.
ii. Inadequate measures to track and monitor access to paper records, increasing the risk of unauthorized disclosure.
iii. Human errors such as misplacement or loss of paper documents containing sensitive patient information.
iv. Insufficient awareness or adherence to HIPAA regulations among nursing staff.
Likelihood and Impact Assessment:
a. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: High
b. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: High
c. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: Moderate
d. Likelihood: Low, Impact: High
Problem C) Inefficient communication of patient information between nursing shifts:
Potential Causes:
i. Lack of structured handoff procedures during shift changes.
ii. Absence of standardized formats for documenting and transferring patient information.
iii. Communication barriers due to language differences or misinterpretation of handwritten notes.
iv. High workload and time constraints impeding effective information exchange between nursing staff.
Likelihood and Impact Assessment:
a. Likelihood: High, Impact: High
b. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: Moderate
c. Likelihood: Moderate, Impact: Moderate
d. Likelihood: High, Impact: High
Report abuse