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Tabletop Simulation as an Innovative Tool for Clinical Workflow Testing.
Heather Bissmeyer1, Cara Gallegos, Shelly Randazzo
1Author Affiliations: Providence Swedish, North Division Education & Professional Practice Team, Cherry Hill Campus, James Tower, Seattle, Washington (Ms Bissmeyer); Providence Swedish, North Division Education & Professional Practice Team, Providence Regional Medical Center Everett, Everett, Washington (Dr Gallegos); Providence Swedish, First Hill and Cherry Hill, Surgical Services, Seattle, Washington (Dr Randazzo); Staffing, Transfer, and Operations Center (STOC), Providence Swedish, Seattle, Washington (Ms Scheffler); Providence Swedish, Real Estate Strategy & Operations (RESO), Planning & Design Team, Providence Swedish First Hill, Seattle, Washington (Ms Sullivan Lee); and Staffing, Transfer, and Operations Center (STOC), Providence Swedish, Seattle, Washington (Ms Powell).
Tabletop simulation effectively tested clinical workflow changes for hospital admissions, revealing improvement opportunities and fostering collaboration among healthcare leaders. This innovative approach benefits nurse leaders in managing complex process changes.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Clinical Operations
- Process Improvement
Background:
- Clinical workflows require rigorous testing before implementation.
- Direct admissions to operating rooms and interventional radiology present complex logistical challenges.
- Nurse leaders need effective tools to manage and evaluate workflow changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an innovative tabletop simulation approach for testing clinical workflow changes.
- To highlight the benefits of this simulation method for nurse leaders.
- To evaluate the process for direct admissions in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A tabletop simulation exercise was conducted involving key stakeholders and subject matter experts.
- The simulation focused on direct admissions to the operating room and interventional radiology departments.
- The exercise aimed to evaluate workflow, identify gaps, and formulate recommendations.
Main Results:
- The simulation was acknowledged as novel and engaging by participants.
- It proved suitable for testing complex process changes in healthcare settings.
- Valuable collaboration and identification of improvement opportunities were promoted.
Conclusions:
- Tabletop simulation is an effective tool for testing and supporting clinical workflow changes.
- This method offers significant benefits for nurse leaders in healthcare management.
- The approach fosters interdepartmental collaboration and drives process improvements.
