medical staff job aid

This simplified, symptoms-based decision flow chart for C. diff testing helps medical staff in a variety of settings quickly determine the best course of action for a patient with a potential C. diff diagnosis.

Note: This project is currently in the design phase.

  • Responsibilities: Instructional Designer

  • Target Audience: Medical Staff

  • Tools Used: Adobe InDesign, Miro, Canva, Google Docs

  • Year: 2023

  • KPI: Reduce the prevalence of C. diff testing through a more accurate determination process, resulting in better resource allocation and ultimately saving both time and money.

Overview

A local hospital (fictional for this project) noticed that the rate of C. diff testing has increased by 25% over the past few months, resulting in 1% positive test results. The CRNA noticed that there was a 25% increase in C-diff isolation. When she compares this to the low test result percentage, she questions the appropriateness of orders and the resulting allocation of resources. She wants to create a resource that will help hospital staff order C. diff testing more appropriately. This will result in better resource allocation, saving money and staff time.

I consulted with a medical professional SME to develop a job aid that could help to alleviate the problems in this situation.

process

I am using the ADDIE instructional design model for this project development. I am consulting with multiple SMEs with different experiences in the medical field so that I receive a variety of feedback and perspectives.

Analysis and design phases

I met with a SME to discuss the necessary information for the flowchart. I did not create an action map for this project since there is only one core action needed for this project: medical staff need to consider a variety of questions and information to make a well-informed decision if C. diff testing is needed. With this in mind, we create a flowchart outline. A flowchart is easy for medical staff to access during their shifts and is easy to update as new research on this topic becomes available.

Currently, I’m in the process of receiving feedback from a second SME and creating a first version of the job aid document. After this draft is complete, I will gather feedback from both SMEs and create the final version.