The interdisciplinary team at ColumbiaDoctors will discuss processes operationalized in ambulatory care to promote outstanding practice consistent with current regulations and professional standards. Proactive coaching tracer activities and the use of a risk assessment tool can greatly impact the quality, safety, and experience of patients within this dynamic and fragmented healthcare environment. The Survey Analysis for Evaluating Risk™ (SAFER) matrix adopted during mock surveys at multi-specialty practice sites, illustrated in a one-grid format the: 1) likelihood of harm and 2) scope of deficiency; allowing for the prioritization of corrective actions and allocation of limited resources to support collaborative improvement efforts.
Tool: The Survey Analysis for Evaluating Risk™ (SAFER™) matrix, is a tracers activity tool that supports the transformative approach for identifying and communicating risk; all in a one-grid format the: 1) likelihood of the issue to causing harm to patients, staff, and visitors 2) scope of the cited deficiency
Problem: Over a billion visits within the dynamic and fragmented ambulatory care environment were reported by the National Center for Healthcare Statistics in 2019. Additionally, increasingly complex cases are diagnosed, and managed, including the performance of invasive and therapeutic procedures by providers. Processes impacting the quality, safety, and experience of patients is imperative
Tool Selection: Utilized during coaching tracer activities, the SAFER™ matrix is accompanied by a report cross-walked with the latest evidence, and best practices including related local, state, and federal regulations. Valuable in standardizing compliance within ambulatory practice sites, allowing for the prioritization of corrective actions and allocation of limited resources
Usage: The SAFER™ Matrix was piloted in one department and consequently adopted across other departments; allowed surveyor/s to place each deficiency within the y-axis (likelihood to harm): high/moderate/low and x-axis (scope): widespread/pattern/limited. Allowing for the straightforward representation of mock survey findings, is vital in targeting areas of improvement and resource allocation
Results: The SAFER™ Matrix provided high-risk findings in Life Safety, Medication Management, Provision of Care, Treatment, and Services, and Responsibilities of the Individual. Despite high staff turnover, leadership acknowledged their engagement is crucial in adopting patient-centered corrective action plans. Educational trainings offered set the expectations and reinforced during huddles and rounds
