Women's Health Workgroup at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
February 2022
Women's Health Workgroup
at Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Emergency Department
Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
Leader: Olivia Taylor, RN
Members: Chelsea Beaty, RN, Kami Fritz, RN, and Jackie Clifford, HT
Members: Chelsea Beaty, RN, Kami Fritz, RN, and Jackie Clifford, HT
The ED Women’s Health Workgroup was founded by ED RN, Olivia Taylor. Olivia has been a longtime advocate for women’s health from her years of ED experience in the community which now compliments the changes throughout the VA and specifically in the Milwaukee area. The ED Women’s Health Workgroup is composed of one ED HT, a total of three ED RNs, and a nurse educator as an ad hoc member. The workgroup’s primary focus is to meet the needs of female Veterans in the ED, but this has expanded to meet the needs of the female Veterans within the organization.
The workgroup met to evaluate current practice and recommended evidence-based changes to create and implement a 15-minute class on OB/GYN emergencies that was completed by all ED RNs and Health Technicians (HT). The class included brief pathophysiology, important assessment components, and the roles of RNs and HT in specific OB/GYN emergencies. Content included topics such as vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, imminent delivery, and spontaneous abortion.
The data from pre and post-class education showed an increase in ED staff confidence regarding the care of OB/GYN emergencies. The success of OB/GYN emergency class has now been incorporated into the orientation of new employees and is part of the recurring ED staff annual competency assessment.
Another part of this workgroup’s achievements is with the partnership with the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Coordinator. The workgroup reimplemented the Domestic Violence (DV) screening tool utilized during the triage process. This screening is now completed on all ED patients to ensure safety and security when entering our facility. They provided just-in-time tips for ED staff regarding methods and approaches to handling difficult situations.
More recently, the ED Women’s Health workgroup assisted as subject matter experts to update the facility’s Sexual Assault Policy. They created an environment for staff to share concerns when gathering delicate items and ensure a proper chain of custody. The emphasis on teamwork with this project was paramount to overhauling this 30+ page document to a more readable and pertinent policy
The workgroup met to evaluate current practice and recommended evidence-based changes to create and implement a 15-minute class on OB/GYN emergencies that was completed by all ED RNs and Health Technicians (HT). The class included brief pathophysiology, important assessment components, and the roles of RNs and HT in specific OB/GYN emergencies. Content included topics such as vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, imminent delivery, and spontaneous abortion.
The data from pre and post-class education showed an increase in ED staff confidence regarding the care of OB/GYN emergencies. The success of OB/GYN emergency class has now been incorporated into the orientation of new employees and is part of the recurring ED staff annual competency assessment.
Another part of this workgroup’s achievements is with the partnership with the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Coordinator. The workgroup reimplemented the Domestic Violence (DV) screening tool utilized during the triage process. This screening is now completed on all ED patients to ensure safety and security when entering our facility. They provided just-in-time tips for ED staff regarding methods and approaches to handling difficult situations.
More recently, the ED Women’s Health workgroup assisted as subject matter experts to update the facility’s Sexual Assault Policy. They created an environment for staff to share concerns when gathering delicate items and ensure a proper chain of custody. The emphasis on teamwork with this project was paramount to overhauling this 30+ page document to a more readable and pertinent policy