SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-When Does the Work End?:hospitalist Perceptions of Follow-Ups After Service

Pdf Summary

This survey found that hospitalists have mixed opinions about when clinical work ends after a service shift. About one-third felt that patient care ends when a provider signs off, while others expected some continued follow-up after leaving service.<br /><br />Key findings:<br />- Most providers still check the electronic health record (EHR) after leaving service, but their habits vary widely.<br />- Many are willing to follow up on lab results for other providers, especially if specific items are signed out to them.<br />- Documentation-related questions were viewed differently: providers generally felt these should remain the responsibility of the primary provider.<br />- There was no clear standard for when or how often off-service providers should check inboxes or results.<br /><br />The authors conclude that:<br />- Practice groups should create a standardized system for handling post-service follow-up of labs and documentation queries.<br />- This could help prevent missed results and reduce the burden on physicians.<br />- EHR workflows should be designed to make off-service follow-up easier and more efficient.<br />- Any follow-up system should account for the fact that some clinicians believe their work ends completely when they leave service, while others expect ongoing responsibility.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that follow-up expectations after service are inconsistent, and better sign-out and inbox management processes are needed to improve patient safety and workflow.

Asset Subtitle

Anunta Virapongse

Meta Tag

Author List Angela Keniston, Anunta Virapongse, Lauren McBeth, Neelam Mistry

Category Research

Concept Hospitalist Expectations

Concept Follow-up

Concept Clinical Responsibility

Concept Laboratory Results

Concept Documentation Query

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Colorado School of Medicine

Presenting Author Anunta Virapongse

Track Patient Safety

Keywords

hospitalists

patient care handoff

service shift

electronic health record

post-service follow-up

lab results

documentation queries

sign-out process

inbox management

patient safety

Hospitalist Expectations

Follow-up

Clinical Responsibility

Laboratory Results

Documentation Query