Flowcharting helps nurses gain more time with patients

In April 1997 the obstetric unit of Alexian Brothers Medical Centre in suburban Chicago, USA, started using ‘clinical pathways’ and incorporated (flow)charting by exception. The aim was to eliminate repetitive documentation and give nurses more time to educate and care for patients. Before implementation, nurse training classes and individual discussions were held and notices announcing the pathway implementation were posted throughout the unit. Five months after implementation nurses report...

BPIR Categories

14.3.2 Implement an improvement approach/method/technique
6.1.1 Plan key production & delivery processes
2.3.1 Identify, plan & map key processes