Using spreadsheets to create a patient centered inpatient scheduling program

Scheduling has long been therapy centric in Inpatient Acute Rehabilitation programs. Patients in the hospital must receive at least three hours of therapy five days of a seven day period. This therapy must be coordinated around nursing procedures, outside appointments, social work groups, and family meetings. In support of a patient centered model, the hospital implemented a new process with major focus on patient preferences, medical needs and therapy needs.

The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate a patient centered inpatient scheduling system in the acute rehabilitation setting. By the end of the presentation the participant should be able to complete the following: identify the advantages of using spreadsheets with VBA macros to customize a workbook for specific needs, follow a patient centered scheduling model, design a methodical approach to implementing such a model.

A systematic approach was used to create and implement the scheduling system. This included software design, recruitment of a patient centered inpatient scheduler, and development of a communication structure.

Overall customer satisfaction (likelihood to recommend) increased 7% and three hour compliance increased over 20% following implementation of this scheduling model.

Using a workbook/spreadsheets to construct the model made implementation easier since it did not require use or knowledge of new software. Upon use of the new patient centered scheduling program the hospital was able to increase therapy productivity and engagement, three hour compliance and customer satisfaction.