Page 21 - Risk Reduction Series Effective Systems Part 2

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Effective Systems

• Inform the patient to expect a follow-up call from the

inpatient or outpatient nurse or scheduler to check on the
patient.

• Ensure a licensed health professional is available to

respond to a question or situation outside the scope of the
medical assistant or other staff member making follow-up
calls.

• Schedule follow-up appointments and additional care

providers such as home healthcare prior to discharge.

• If feasible, patients should leave the hospital with all their

prescriptions filled to avoid delays in beginning new drug
regimens.

• Utilize pharmacists to assist with disease management and
medication teaching, both before and after patients are

discharged.

Handoffs

As part of its standard of provision of care, treatment, and

services, The Joint Commission requires that the “process
for handoff communication provides for the opportunity

for discussion between the giver and the receiver of
patient information”. Consideration should be given to the
8
implementation of a standardized approach for handoff
communication. Patient handoffs are a significant challenge

in healthcare due to the sheer number of handoffs (often in an
urgent or emergent situation) lack of a standardized protocol,

ineffective communication skills, distractions, interruptions,

8 The Joint Commission. Comprehensive accreditation manual. CAMH for hospitals: the official
handbook. Oakbrook Terrace (IL): Joint Commission; 2010

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