NURS FPX 9100 Assessment 4: Virtual Check-In Conceptualizing and Implementing a Project

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Virtual Check-In: Conceptualizing and Implementing a Project

The healthcare industry is not static, it is dynamic with healthcare managers embracing information technology as a solution to enhance patient care, productivity as well as access to care. One such advancement is virtual check-ins we currently use to help patients stay connected with their practitioners without needing to physically attend the clinic (da Fonseca et al., 2021). Telecommunications are planned, one-on-one phone calls with the healthcare team in which the patient acquaints the team with his/her current condition, treatment regime, and concerns. The use of virtual check-ins was deemed necessary especially during the COVID-19 period, because physical consultations were prohibited. NURS FPX 9100 Assessment 4: Virtual Check-In This has several benefits to be derived from it which include; the following; this includes; Cut hospital readmission rates, managing chronic illnesses, and increasing patient satisfaction. For instance, a hypertensive client can make a virtual appointment with their doctor on a usual check-up report blood pressure readings, and use of medicine to avoid adverse effects.

The process of approval concerning the usage of virtual check-ins takes place in several stages. The first is establishing what healthcare needs or deficits this intervention is going to fill. For example, in a primary care context, a high level of no-shows to a follow-up appointment can be avoided by using a virtual check-in. Second, there must be an attempt to obtain stakeholder support (Kobeissi & Hickey, 2023). This involves explaining the utility of the project to health managers, practitioners, and technologists. Other goals, recovery goals, for instance, the patient readmission rates, and number of the patients who will actively engage with their recovery plans among other indicators should be described. Following stakeholder consent, concerns for regulation and compliance are the next agenda for consideration. HIPAA rules are binding on virtual check-ins based on the nature of a patient’s information. Furthermore, the technology platforms used should not only be secure, simple, and available to all patients. Lastly, a pilot should be run to improve the process in a way to prepare for large-scale implementation that tests its feasibility.

Project Charter Development

It is hence necessary to establish a project charter to support the implementation of the virtual check-ins. Much like an architectural blueprint, the charter is a prescriptive document that outlines the purpose, activities, participants, timeline, and performance measurement plan of a project. It sets the tone of reference calls and creates certain practical standards and guidelines by which performance can be evaluated (Omboni et al., 2020).

  1. Project Objectives: The overall purpose of the virtual check-in project is to improve the quality of patients’ experience and the quality of interactions of patients with clinicians. Other goals are to decrease the no-show ratio, optimize further care of chronic diseases, and enhance overall satisfaction.
  2. Scope: These will include diabetic patients, hypertensive patients, and patients with congestive heart failure. These patients need follow-up examinations and hence are suitable for virtual reviews. The first will be conducted on 100 patients enrolled in a primary care practice over six months.
  3. Stakeholders: Key stakeholders include:
    • Patients: Program recipients under whose direction the program’s response will be important.
    • Healthcare Providers: The people who will be performing the virtual check-ins are physicians, nurses, as well as care coordinators.
    • IT Team: In charge of technology that includes identification, acquisition, and deployment together with support of the technology platform.
    • Administrators: Ensuring the overall management of financial resources of the project, work plans, and needful certifications.
  4. Timeline:
    • Month 1: Hearings from stakeholders and approval of their recommendations.
    • Month 2: The technology platform involves the personnel selection and training process.
    • Months 3-4: A pilot study that involved a limited number of patients enrolled in the project.
    • Months 5-6: Expanded launch and constant evaluation and enforcement.
  5. Evaluation Metrics: Based on the KPIs below, one will measure the success of the project that aims at supporting mothers.
    • Patient Engagement Rates: Number of prescribed virtual check-ins made and actual number of check-ins carried out with a percentage.
    • Clinical Outcomes: Reduction of symptoms including; increase in blood pressure and glucose level.
    • Patient Satisfaction Scores: Original feedback is gathered through the survey.
    • Cost-Effectiveness: Minimization of the amount of money spent on calls and home visits due to failure to attend appointments, plus decreased cases of re-hospitalization.

References

da Fonseca, M. H., Kovaleski, F., Picinin, C. T., Pedroso, B., & Rubbo, P. (2021). E-health practices and technologies: A systematic review from 2014 to 2019. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 9(9), 1192. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9091192

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