The interventional services team, a highly skilled group of professionals who specialize in the pre- and post-care of electrophysiology, cardiac cath lab, interventional radiology and neurology patients, exhibited their dedication to enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes through two initiatives: Hot Meals and Happy Hearts and Beds to Meds.
Hot Meals and Happy Hearts
Led by Maureen Tinley, RN, and Shannon Brunner, RN, the Hot Meals and Happy Hearts initiative addressed a critical gap in patient care. Recognizing that post-operative patients often endure long boarding times while waiting for inpatient beds — sometimes into the late evening — this initiative was born from the desire to improve patient experience during these challenging moments.
Also, patients undergoing late procedures frequently miss their scheduled dinner trays, which adds to their stress. By coordinating the timely delivery of hot, nutritious meal trays to all post-operative boarding patients and late procedure inpatients, the team promotes a comforting environment, positively impacting patients’ well-being.
With a focus on heart-healthy and diabetic-friendly options, the team ensures patients receive meals that support their health needs. Through this process change, the nursing team has successfully improved overall patient satisfaction and comfort during recovery.
Beds to Meds
The nursing team, led by Orlando Maldonado, RN, has also collaborated with the cardiac cath lab team on the Beds to Meds quality project. This program ensures that all post-operative percutaneous coronary intervention patients get their dual anitplatelet therapy, or DAPT, promptly at their bedside after procedures. By working closely with recovery room nurses and pharmacy teams, the program proactively addresses prior authorizations and insurance approvals, eliminating potential delays in medication administration.
Beds to Meds streamlines patient care and plays a pivotal role in reducing readmission rates and expediting discharge processes, leading to better patient outcomes.
The success of these programs was driven by the active involvement of every team member, exemplifying a commitment, teamwork and innovative spirit.