HCIN 542 / Project Management Plan
The purpose of this assignment was to create a complete project management plan including a project charter, scope, governance, current and future state process map, improvement summary and improvement timeline. We were given the freedom to create our own scenario, clinical setting, and clinical problem, so long as our improvement strategy incorporated concepts covered in the course. As a team, we observed a simulation of a healthcare scenario and used the experience to incorporate the elements witnessed into the project. After identifying a root cause, we decided to implement both technological and non-technological interventions to improve quality performance design of workflows and enhance security of Protected Health Information (PHI).
From viewing the simulation lab, we determined that the root cause of workflow error was incorrect patient identification. In the simulation lab, the clerk misidentified the patient in the electronic medical record (EMR) leading to time wasted as the laboratory couldn’t find matching identification. While this scenario caused minor delays in workflows, errors in patient identification can lead to more serious adverse events. We used this explanation, in addition to improved privacy and security of patient information, as leverage to propose our project plan.
For our technological intervention, we decided to implement biometric palm scanners. According to our research, palm scanners are more accurate, consistent, reliable, secure, and faster than other biometric identifiers such as fingerprints. Because the process of palm scanning is completely digital, there is no human element of error involved which reduces identity theft and insurance fraud and further increases security of PHI. We intended to show that implementation of palm scanners not only improved PHI security, but also improved patient safety and overall patient and staff experience/satisfaction.