In 2024, a collaborative effort led by Interventional Radiology (IR) nurses Donna Pon, BSN, RN, and Ana Dubon, RN, along with Imaging Services Director Assistant Director Alven Cheng, PACU nurses Maureen Crehan, RN, CPAN, CAPA, and PACU Nurse Manager Rowena Guarino, BSN, RN, and guided by Care Without Delay Director Sheree Bayeur, MS, RN, BSN, NE-BC, resulted in an innovative workflow for renal biopsy patients. This new process allows patients to recover safely in the Surgical PACU instead of being admitted, eliminating unnecessary hospital stays. By creating a streamlined recovery pathway, the team prioritized patient safety and efficient resource use while maintaining the highest standards of care.
This workflow has significantly improved outcomes for renal biopsy patients, reducing the average length of stay and lowering the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Recovering in the PACU enhances the patient experience, resulting in higher satisfaction scores. The collaborative efforts of these leaders and nurses exemplify interdisciplinary teamwork and innovative problem-solving, advancing care delivery and optimizing hospital operations for better patient outcomes.