SHARING THE A NEWSLETTER OF GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE
gift
SPRING SUMMER 2015
gift of life A Different Kind of House Call
A collaborative Journey To Stay Home Lori Ewoldt, Mayo Clinic Enhancing service to those who experience transplantation is a goal shared by Gift of Life Transplant House and Mayo Clinic. Providing a blood draw service at Gift of Life Transplant House has been on the wish list of both organizations for several years. However, it was thought to be impossible because of the numerous regulatory challenges associated with providing a clinical Blood Draw at 705 House service outside Mayo Clinic campus. After two years of collaboration between the two organizations, combined with a very persistent implementation team, helped transform this project from dream to reality. The permanent blood draw service opened on Monday April 6th. A three week pilot conducted in April 2013, provided insight into the numerous logistical challenges associated with this unique service. The old adage, the devil is in the detail, certainly held true for the pilot team. Issues included staffing, how to transport the blood samples to the lab, and where to put a temporary router so that the Mayo team would have access to the patient’s medical record during the pilot. Persistence, teamwork and a collective sense of humor helped the pilot team work through these and many other details. The team collected data related to patient satisfaction, staff satisfaction and
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE A HOME THAT HELPS AND HEALS
the impact of the service on follow up visits to the clinic/ hospital. This data was beneficial in making the case for providing the service on a permanent basis. After the successful pilot, the long road to project approval officially began. Individuals from the Transplant Center, the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Department of Nursing, Pharmacy, Infection Prevention and Control, Quality Management Services, Contracting & Payer Relations, Revenue Cycle, Financial and Accounting Services, and Medicare Strategy Unit worked extensively to ensure that the project met the numerous regulatory, accreditation and billing requirements from various state and federal agencies. With these issues addressed, it was time to formally request project approval from the Gift of Life Board of Directors and a variety of committees within Mayo Clinic. The final phase of the project focused on remodeling, and teamwork was once again the key success factor. Staff from Information Technology, Telecommunications, Facilities, Environmental Services, General Service, and Central Supply partnered with leaders from Gift of Life House to address the logistical issues associated with the newly identified space at each house. Guests are given information regarding the service when they first arrive at Gift of Life Transplant House. Registered Nurses from Mayo Clinic’s Eisenberg 94 partner with Phlebotomists from Laboratory Services to staff the blood draw room. The service is currently offered Monday through Friday mornings. Weekend service is expected to start later this year. Feedback from guests using the service has been favorable, with many comments about the convenience that the new program offers.
GIFT OF LIFE TRANSPLANT HOUSE • 705 Second Street, Southwest • Rochester, Minnesota 55902 • Phone: 507-288-7470 • Fax: 507-281-9888 • E-mail: office@gift-of-life.org • Web site: www.gift-of-life.org