Using Evidence-Based Practice in Standardized Handoff Protocols

Memorandum
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Memorandum
To:
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SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF STANDARDIZED HANDOFF PROTOCOL AND COMPUTERIZED MEDICATION SYSTEMS TO IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY AND OUTCOMES
Purpose
The purpose of this memo is to inform the relevant stakeholders that adopting a standardized handoff protocol and a computerized medication system is a necessity if we want to improve staff communication and patient safety in this hospital. The case of Mr. Stanley Londborg, who had to stay at the hospital for a prolonged period due to medication errors (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, n.d.), reveals that there is a problem in how our staff communicates while handling patients, especially during the transfer of care from the emergency department (ED) to inpatient settings and from daytime care teams to overnight care teams. It also shows a failure in our medication system. The two proposed interventions can help address the issues and improve patient safety and outcomes.
Stakeholders
While the proposed change affects all healthcare professionals, the people in charge of healthcare professionals are the primary stakeholders who will ensure that the proposed changes are effected. These stakeholders include:
* Hospital Administrator
* Nurse Manager
* Physician Executive
Findings and their Relation to the Stakeholders
The findings from my EBP report are directly related to the above-mentioned stakeholders because these stakeholders are in charge of healthcare professionals. The hospital administrator is responsible for planning and overseeing the medical services provided by the hospital. They are also responsible for coordinating with the people working in the hospital, and as such, they have to be involved in any changes that will affect hospital staff. They also have to ensure that the hospital administration approves of the changes, especially if they will involve financial commitment from the top.
The nurse manager is responsible for supervising the nurses and ensuring there is effective communication between nurses, patients, and the patients’ families. Since nurses were involved in Mr. Londborg’s care and it is a nurse who failed to communicate about the unavailability of the medication error, the nurse manager needs to be involved. This would ensure that nurses are involved in the implementation of the proposed interventions and are up to date.
The physician executive is responsible for supervising physicians and will also ensure that the proposed interventions are implemented and incorporated into everyday practice. The two interventions can only be effective if there is staff buy-in and this can be achieved if their respective leaders are on the frontline in advocating for the recommended change.
Summary of the Findings
I was able to engage in an inquiry process by using the EBP steps. By following the EBP steps, I discovered that the general question that needs to be answered relates to staff communication, patient safety, and patient outcomes both in the emergency department and the inpat...