Nurses often have to perform tasks outside their area of expertise. To optimize efficiency in the use of human and financial resources, the CHU de Québec – Université Laval’s Hôtel-Dieu de Québec outpatient clinic team has developed 3 innovative strategies to work more efficiently and improve the employee experience.

The first strategy was introduced for allergy patch testing. Nurses used to spend up to 10 hours a week preparing the clinic and up to 30 hours a month managing materials. Now, these tasks are carried out by a healthcare technical assistant, freeing up a minimum of 50 hours per month of nursing time.

This strategy was then replicated in ear, nose and throat (ENT) medicine. A healthcare technical assistant or nursing assistant now assists the ENT specialist with ear cleaning and tubing. By freeing up these hours, nurses are able to focus their time on clinical duties for the benefit of patients.

Finally, the strategy was adapted for use in orthopedics. Licensed practical nurses can now remove splints and casts without a nurse’s assistance.

The impact of these changes on the flow and continuity of care is significant. The benefits are considerable, not only for patients, but also for the staff who now have new responsibilities and are more valued in their role.

Lead:
Annick Simard, Nurse