WOCN Sponsored WTA Program Enhances Wound Outcomes for Home Care Company

Topic:

 WOCN sponsored WTA Program Enhances Wound Outcomes for Home Care Company

Purpose:

Home care company with 45 branches (35 - 45 % wound patients) challenged to provide improved outcomes and accurate OASIS data collection. Two CWOCNs provide education and oversight of Wound Program which is carried out at the branch level by clinicians with variable levels of expertise and certification. Clinicians’ inability to relate accurate assessments and request appropriate orders deemed contributory to frequent wet to dry dressing changes and suboptimal outcomes.

Objective:

To ensure availability of resource clinicians at each branch; we utilized the WOCN - WTA program to educate clinicians using classroom style presentations.  Candidates submitted applications summarizing experience, career goals, and reason for pursuing the program. Accepted applicants attended a 5 day course consisting of:

•  WTA modules
•  CWOCN overseen competency labs
•  Home care specific topics:
  • OASIS data collection (impact Home Health Compare Outcomes)
  • Standardized Wound Assessment Tool (point of care device)
  • Documentation impact on HHRG (reimbursement)
  • Wound etiology and ICD9 coding
  • Strategies for obtaining evidence based orders
  • Product formulary
  • Management of visit frequency, treatment setting transitions, re-hospitalization
  • WTAs assist with: skills labs, orientation, product in-services.

Outcomes:

At time of submission, two courses have been completed (34 clinicians - 5 agencies), with the following outcomes:

• Clinicians were empowered mentors. (“WTA” name tags issued to successful candidates).
• “Wound Team” Email group facilitated communication.
• Documentation supported orders  
• Branches requested  skills labs
• OASIS documentation yielded improved wound HHRG values
• Decreased daily dressing changes impacted visits per episode
• Additional data anticipated by time of poster presentation / conference.

Ongoing Plan:   

• 2 WTA programs / QTR
• Track HHRG and VPE
• Monitor outcomes, Home Health Compare, hospitalization rates
• Business Development - sales collaterals / marketing strategy
• Transitional Care Program in various treatment settings to decrease re - hospitalization