In coordination with the Throughput to Post-Acute Steering Committee, the Innovation Lab has tested Epic tools and workflows related to the standardization of Interdisciplinary Rounds (IDRs) leveraging Epic’s Optimizing Discharge Program. These Epic tools provide a single view into a new IDR patient list, updated milestones and delays, and potential care bottlenecks. These tools were piloted at three units within Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Missouri Baptist Medical Center beginning in early February 2024 with metrics gathered through the end of March 2024. Process metrics compiled include documentation rates and accuracy for the Estimated Discharge Date.
Additionally, the Innovation Lab has partnered with the Digital Design Team to conduct rigorous user-centered research on these pilot units. These research efforts focused on three main areas including Epic IDR Tools, IDR Processes, and Inpatient Throughput. Insights gained from this work will be combined with a future collaboration with Operational Excellence to inform a robust Service Blueprint for Inpatient Throughput. A Service Blueprint is a visual tool meant to comprehensively illustrate a process and can be used to identify bottlenecks and areas of opportunity for workflow efficiencies.
Learnings from the IDR pilot units and future user research will be used to inform further IDR standardization and IP Throughput efforts throughout the BJC system.
