A LEADER ’ S PERSPECTIVE ON QUALITY CARE TRANSITIONS :
INTERVIEW WITH KRIS RAZMA , MS OT / L , LURIE OT MANAGER , “ KEEPING DEVELOPMENT MOVING FORWARD "
AUTHORS : MAGGIE CRAM , OTS ; DUSTIN HOGAN , OTS ; AMANDA RYAN , OTS CONTRIBUTORS : KAYLA CAMPBELL , OTS ; FRANK CZUBA DROT , OTR / L ; NANCY RICHMAN OTR / L , FAOTA
INTRODUCTION : The goals of quality care transitions are to promote positive and lasting client outcomes . Occupational therapy ( OT ) leaders and managers are in the position to implement the most effective and efficient strategies for quality care transitions while specifically understanding OT ’ s unique value and contribution . A study conducted by MOT students at Governors State University identified that effective communication and approachability are the top 2 leadership qualities to elicit best practice . Additionally , conducting productive team meetings reinforces quality assurance for transitions and promotes effective interprofessional teamwork . Finally , using strategies such as early discharge planning and providing client / care partner education at an appropriate level of health literacy have shown to facilitate positive outcomes as well .
One OT leader that has demonstrated these qualities through her professional work is Kris Razma , MS OT / L , the OT manager at Lurie Children ’ s Hospital of Chicago , the preeminent provider of pediatric services in the Midwest . Kris completed her masters ’ degree at Western Michigan University and has been practicing as a pediatric occupational therapist for 37 years . Kris celebrated her 35th anniversary working at Lurie Children ’ s Hospital of Chicago ( formerly known as Children ’ s Memorial Hospital ).
As the OT manager for the past 20 years , Kris has made a significant impact on the department ’ s structure , policies , and community partnerships through her leadership .
Because of her expertise , our research team felt that Kris ’ leadership highlighted some of the key qualities uncovered in our research into this topic . We interviewed Kris to explore the strategies that she uses to ensure quality care transitions for her patients while demonstrating OT ’ s unique value .
INTERVIEWER : WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE ROLE OCCUPATIONAL THERA- PY PRACTITIONERS ( OTPS ) PLAY , IN YOUR FACILITY , THAT CONTRIBUTES TOWARDS QUALITY CARE TRANSITIONS OF CLIENTS FROM ONE SETTING TO ANOTHER ?
KRIS : The therapists at Lurie play a big role in making important length of stay and discharge placement decisions . Within both the inpatient and outpatient departments , the therapists are focusing on early discharge planning to ensure patients are receiving the most appropriate level of care and transitioning as efficiently as possible . Oftentimes we screen patients for early intervention to see if they need additional services after discharge from the hospital . We also have a strong interdisciplinary team who works really well together and who are in almost constant collaboration .
I : HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE QUALITY CARE TRANSITIONS ?
K : I would define it as each child has everything they need to perform independent function or has all the tools and resources necessary to perform their meaningful occupations . Can they maintain or facilitate their progress ? We use developmental milestones as a way to measure a patient ' s outcomes so I would say our main focus for quality care transitions would be keeping development moving forward .
[“ Keeping Development Moving Forward ”]
I : WHAT STRATEGIES DOES YOUR FACILITY , UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP , CURRENTLY UTILIZE TO ACHIEVE QUAL- ITY CARE TRANSITIONS RELATED TO ENHANCING CLIENT OUTCOMES ?
K : So , as well as screen patients for early intervention , we can provide bridging for Early Intervention ( EI ) in our outpatient unit . EI services have long waitlists so our bridging program sees and evaluates patients post-neonatal intensive care unit ( NICU ), but before they are picked up by EI services . We also have EI training and other training opportunities for our staff , such as sending a team to John Hopkins to learn new Bronchopulmonary dysplasia ( BPD ) strategies , to promote best practices . We have a partnership with the Shirley Ryan
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 Illinois Occupational Therapy Association | 2022 ISSUE 1 6