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As health care in the US moves to a value based purchasing model, the WOC nurse provides a vital role in necessary cost containment and cost avoidance. By collaborating with the supply chain and purchasing, the WOC nurse has a golden opportunity to provide a voice driven by outcomes and evidence.
Purpose:
The WOC Advisory Group provides a forum for the certified RNs and NPs to develop policies, treatment guidelines, and cost-effective product solutions for the Beaumont Health Organization. This group serves as the content experts for WOC conditions; providing evidenced based product selections, patient and staff education, and policy development.
Method:
The WOC Advisory Group was started to coordinate best practices, streamline formulary and to combine WOC forces within the founding Beaumont Hospitals (Troy, Royal Oak, Grosse Pointe). Quarterly meetings began in 2014. WOC nurses streamlined the ostomy formulary and shared teaching materials for new ileostomates. Over time, with the alignment of the Oakwood and Botsford systems, the WOC group invited WOC nurses from all 8 hospitals to the forum, including home care, outpatient wound clinics, and clinical nurse specialists. With the alliance, there came a new process for materials management. Director of Beaumont Health supply chain was invited to a meeting to describe the new process for ordering. She saw the value in our work group and invited the WOC Advisory Group to be a part of the Medical Vat for the system.
Results:
Ostomy formulary across the 8 systems
Patient teaching for new ileostomates.
Pressure ulcer prevention policy, with universal guidelines, respecting different practice settings.
Developed bedside tool, complementing the new Pressure Ulcer Prevention policy.
Process for product trials across system.
The WOC advisory group now a member of the medical VAT, and involved in product evaluations, eliminating duplication, and providing outcome based solutions.