Greetings Everyone and Happy Friday!
Your Spring version of Operational Update is here (hold the applause)! Of course it’s almost June and highs are still in the 60s, so there’s that. My southern DNA doth protesteth, but here we are…
Enjoy!!
Throughput/Flow/Capacity
Starting in June there will be nights we do NOT have a vaccine clinic MD. This is by design based on historical volume. Default assignment will be 2 MD’s for ED Extension and 1 flex for downstairs. Nursing is aware and will plan accordingly so as always, any adjustment will need to include the charge nurse for resource matching!
Suture Changes in the ED
Ethicon (our main suture distributer) has made substantial changes by removing all gut suture options. We are trying to find some alternatives, but in the meantime:
- Limited Fast absorbing gut options
- Alternative: Vicryl Rapide (5-0 size only) – Absorbs in 7-10 days so will need to confirm absorption by PCP if used on the face
- Chromic gut – currently most sizes in stock, but some transitioning out…
- Alternatives: Monocryl or Vicryl Rapide depending on use – again, will need PCP check since we are not exactly sure of the absorption rates for these uses
- Expect more changes and updates from Andy in the coming weeks/months as we adjust
New ED Phone List
There is a new ED phone list that is posted on the BCH PEM website and in the ED charting areas that now incorporates the EPIC name for chat/call for certain important roles (see pic – all the ICU attendings!). Thank you to Andy, Jeff and Jess who will continue to update us as things change.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
We have expanded the patient population for which we can offer TVUS. Please consider ordering a TVUS (no bladder filling required) for patients 14 years of age and older who are either: sexually active, have had a speculum exam previously, or have previously tolerated a TVUS.
New Flip Phones
Who: Team A/B Attending AND Follow-up Provider
What: Flip phone that is programmed for the previous ED numbers (see picture below)
- Team A: 5-1801
- Team B: 5-1802
- Follow-up Provider: 5-9208
- Charge Nurse: 5-1800
- Flow-Co RN: 3-1006
When: Now until – TBD
Where: Obtaining a phone process:
- Hand off phone to your colleague during sign-out
- If you are the evening Follow-up Provider please turn your phone back in to EDC at midnight
- EDC will have another phone if needed due to losing charge, etc.
- Please don’t take these home, and let EDC know if you don’t have one to turn in
Why: No Vocera capability and need to receive/make calls outside institution with these roles
***THINGS TO KNOW***
- If you have 5-1801, when someone calls this number it is routed to that phone, so use this extension during your shift
- When dialing out use it as you would a personal phone
- No need to dial ‘0’ before the number to dial out
- You must dial full numbers, this will not work if you just dial an extension i.e. 5-1800
- Please answer phone if you have it, even if the screen says “SPAM”
- This is a flip-phone so feel free to reach out to others (or feel free to email me) on how to use if you are only familiar with touchscreens phones 😊
Open to hearing feedback or if any issues arise.
Okay, that’s it.
Hit us up with questions, comments or concerns. Or accolades! We accept accolades too! 😊
Your Truly,
The Operations Team
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