To ensure optimal care and outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation, hospitals and electrophysiologists will need to take a systems-based approach to EP lab efficiency, focused on standardizing processes while reducing waste and errors. Fortunately, the same processes used to achieve improvement in patient safety and outcomes, and even facilitate research, can simultaneously result in improved capacity.
On May 27-28, 2021, a group of Heart Rhythm Society members and staff visited Dr. Jose Osorio and his EP team at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The purpose of the visit was to learn about the improvement processes put in place to enhance both quality and efficiency. HRS members in attendance included electrophysiologists at different stages of their own quality improvement journeys. This video series captures the group’s observations and the many lessons learned during the visit. The group describes how the transformational approach to quality improvement that Dr. Osorio and his team have implemented successfully at their program in Birmingham can be accomplished in EP labs everywhere.
Learners will be able to view the full series of 7 videos or select only the topics and sections of interest. Transcripts for each video are also provided. The 7 videos cover the following areas of focus:
- Why EP labs should focus on efficiency;
- An explanation of the Grandview model;
- How to implement principles of quality improvement in an EP lab;
- The importance of team member involvement;
- The relationship between electrophysiology and anesthesiology departments;
- Engagement with the patient and caregiver; and
- Reproducing the model in your own institution.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participant should be able to:
- Describe how to standardize processes to achieve better outcomes.
- Create a cohesive team environment, improve staff morale, and reduce turnover by involving staff in setting expectations and by creating predictable work schedules.
- Develop a standard protocol for the patient experience.
- Construct processes, identify benchmarks, set expectations, and measure improvements.
- Describe how to reduce turnover time.
- Explain how to work with the anesthesiology department to schedule patients and implement protocols that improve patient care.
- Determine a plan for implementing efficiency in the EP lab.
Faculty List
Jose Osorio, MD, FHRS
Arrhythmia Institute at Grandview; Birmingham, AL
Paul D. Varosy, MD, FHRS
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System/University of Colorado; Denver, CO
Christopher Cooper, RN
Arrhythmia Institute at Grandview; Birmingham, AL
Rena Jack, RN, BSN, CEPS
Mount Carmel East; Columbus, OH
Andrea M. Russo, MD, FHRS
Cooper Univeristy Hospital; Camden, NJ
Joshua R. Silverstein, MD, FHRS
Mount Carmel Columbus Cardiology; Columbus, OH
Jennifer M. Wright, MA, MD, FHRS
University of Wisconsin; Madison, WI
- Best Practices
- Education: Clinical
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