5 Key Considerations for Developing a Successful Patient Relocation Plan
Moving patients from one medical facility to another is daunting for many healthcare organizations. Careful planning is necessary to ensure the transition goes smoothly and without disruptions.
The process requires a solid strategic planning strategy and a thorough communication plan. These five key considerations will help you develop a successful patient relocation plan for your organization.
Preparation
When it comes to patient relocation, a well-planned and executed scheme can be the difference between a seamless transition and an unpleasant experience for all involved. A well-planned shuffle also has the potential to improve patient satisfaction, reduce costs and enhance the overall experience for both the hospital and the individual being transferred.
A good start is determining which disciplines will be tasked with getting the job done. For instance, what are the top priorities for each medical specialty or Team? Similarly, what critical areas of the hospital need to be considered to provide the best level of care for the relocated patients? Identifying those areas early on can save time and money in the long run.
Communication
Effective communication is a two-way dialogue between patients and care providers where both parties speak, listen, ask questions, express opinions, and exchange information.
Understanding how communication can impact the move’s success is essential when developing patient relocation plans. Having clear expectations of what is expected from everyone involved helps to alleviate any confusion or conflict.
Communication should involve all levels of your hospital, from the leadership team to individual departments. Getting the communication process in order early is vital to ensure everyone’s needs are met during the relocation.
Scheduling
Developing a patient schedule can be one of the most challenging tasks for a medical practice. On the one hand, you want to maximize your care team’s productivity and see as many revenue-generating patients as possible. Still, on the other, you need to ensure each patient gets the attention they deserve and avoid long wait times.
Hearing and understanding your patient’s needs and expectations is essential. This will help you build a patient-first scheduling strategy that sets your practice apart from competitors.
Logistics
One of the most important aspects of any significant activity is logistics. This includes everything from the planning process to the final execution.
Developing a patient relocation plan is no different. A well-designed program will help hospitals streamline the relocation process and minimize disruptions to patients and staff.
Moving medical equipment from one facility to another in the healthcare industry can be time-consuming. However, it is possible to advance medical devices without disrupting patient services. Using a supply chain management solution, hospitals can make the process more efficient and ensure that patient equipment gets to where it needs to be when it is required. This translates into better patient outcomes. The best part is that it’s less expensive than you may think!
Safety
Safety should always be the priority when developing a patient relocation plan. This is especially true when moving a sick or injured patient.
For example, when a hospital decides to shelter in place for an upcoming emergency event, the process should be straightforward and transparent so staff can focus on keeping their patients safe.
In addition, the Patient Destination Team should be activated immediately to match evacuating patients with appropriate available beds in other facilities. This Team should be established in a site easily accessible from the hospital with sufficient computer, telephone, and meeting space resources to permit it to function efficiently.
