The old adage, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression is as relevant today as it has ever been. In this increasingly warp speed world a bad first impression for any health care organization has the potential to go viral in seconds.

Our first Idea of the Week comes from a team who has taken these principles to heart, the Anti-Coagulation Center staff. After reading an article about how patient perception of quality of care begins in the reception area, team member Pam Burgwinkle, a nurse practitioner and manager of the center, brought the subject up at her team’s idea huddle and collectively they examined some of the topics discussed in the article.

Pam was looking for ideas about how they could demonstrate to patients UMass Memorial’s commitment to patient centered care. As always our care givers had lots of great ideas including ensuring the reading materials are current, adding plants to the reception area and making sure the patient education material is fully stocked. 

Idea of the Week: USB Charging Port

Finally the team came up with their best idea – adding a USB port charging station so our patients can keep their phones charged and provide updates to their family and friends.

Well done!

Each week, through the idea of the week program I will highlight a new Idea that is worth spreading to celebrate and recognize teams who are implementing improvements in their area, so please keep checking the blog for ideas you can use in your area. If you do use an idea of the week in your area please register and count it on your idea board.

I am proud to announce that we have created an “Innovation Fund” webpage to help fund your great ideas. 

I encourage you to visit the Innovation Fund webpage for more information
including the funding criteria and process for applying.

Thanks for all your great ideas and for taking great care of our patients and one another,

Eric