MedStaff Update: December 2013

SOS Training for Physician Leaders

For the past two years, Stanford has been test-driving a new lean management philosophy, the Stanford Operating System (S0S), in isolated areas throughout the hospital and clinics. Today, that proven approach is being rolled out on a larger, system-wide level with the goal of improving clinical care delivery. And physicians have a major role to play in that effort.

Robots Round Out Infection Prevention Program

Infection by drug-resistant microorganisms is one of the most serious threats to hospital patients. Traditional cleaning methods alone have not been able to eradicate these super bugs. That's why Stanford has turned its attention to prevention—adding robotic cleaning systems that attack multidrug-resistant organisms in patients' rooms and educating physicians on the importance of antibiotic stewardship. 

Transplanted Small Intestine Becomes Substitute for Lost Esophagus

When the ability to eat, drink and swallow are taken away because of cancer or surgical complications, the effect on patients is devastating. But a collaborative team at Stanford is using an unlikely approach to esophageal transplant, the small intestine, over more commonly used procedures, and giving patients back the full pleasure of a working esophagus.

Patient Safety: Lessons we continue to learn

Standard work improves patient safety

By Steve Chinn, DPM, director, Accreditation, Quality & Patient Safety

Over the past year, we have had an opportunity to share some adverse patient events with the medical staff. One of the common factors that contribute to patient harm and near misses is the deviation from Stanford Hospital & Clinics' policies and procedures. In the "lean" world, this could be interpreted as deviation from or lack of standard work.

FEATURED GUEST CONTRIBUTOR

Addressing the Issue of Physician Satisfaction

Ann Weinacker, MD, Chief of Staff
Bryan Bohman, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer

Over the past six years, the annual SUMC Summit for Clinical Excellence has focused on various aspects of quality patient care (hand-offs, patient-centric care, communication, and more). This year we took a look inward, recognizing that we can't provide the highest quality of care for others if we don't take care of ourselves. Respect for People–Supporting our Clinicians was the theme of the 7th annual Summit for Clinical Excellence on November 13. This event and the response to it are strong indicators of an increasing awareness of the impact of the state of the provider—burnout, resilience, professional satisfaction, work-life integration, etc.—on our ultimate goals of high value and safe clinical care.