Ideas That Work: Patient Satisfaction

We created a custom handoff form that's placed on top of each patient's chart to keep staff abreast of pertinent information that's not typically part of their medical record. In addition to noting case start and stop times and patients' allergies, we jot down quick notes about patients such as "hard of hearing" or "fall risk." We also use the form to share personal details. For example, when a nun was in for a procedure, I made a note on the form to address her as "sister." Patients pick up on this attention to detail during our interactions and really appreciate it. Our staff members also love the form, which has improved their ability to find key information — no more digging through a patient's chart — that leads to more efficient and safer patient care.

Carson McCafferty, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, CSRN
Eye 35 ASC
Schertz, Texas
[email protected]