The purpose of this project is to expedite the transfer of patients from the Emergency Department (ED) to their assigned bed in the Inpatient Unit by implementing the Electronic Transfer of Accountability (eTOA). This will enable the use of Logistics (i.e., alternative non-clinical patient transporters), streamlining the process and improving efficiency.

The project objectives include:

a. Transition from Manual to Electronic TOA (eTOA)

b. Modify the bed assignment notification system to ensure IP nurses can receive and complete TOA without relying on manual processes.

c. Ensure the assignment of patients to IP nurses is based on an optimized snapshot of the patient’s status and care needs.

d. Develop Policy for Logistics Transfers

e. Utilize Meditech Expanse to generate portering requests when eTOA is completed and the patient is deemed ready for logistics transfer.

f. Conduct a thorough pre-implementation assessment of staffing and financial implications for

leveraging logistics staff for portering.

This project will benefit RVH by enhancing patient care delivery in the appropriate setting by ensuring safe and efficient patient transfers from the Emergency Department to Inpatient Units.

4. Student Involvement:

The students will work onsite/virtual and collaborate with members of the Professional Practice, Quality and Risk, clinical teams, RDH and project team in the benchmarking and process mapping exercises. Students will assist the team in understanding best practice, accreditation standards and help drive successful change management.

5. Resources Required (if any):

The students will be provided with access to overall data on patient outcomes, a network login, and EMR access as required in order to accurately complete this project. They will have access to subject matter experts and leadership to discuss practices found and help design and develop the changes in practice.

6. Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

Students will be mentored by the Professional Practice leadership team and work collaboratively with the project team and our Expanse Support Team and Educators to develop and implement changes to processes and practice. This will be accomplished by participation in project meetings and weekly contact and support by leaders working on the project. These meetings can help drive mentorship, evaluate progress and collaborate on action items and next steps.