November 24, 2021
Medical Officer of the Day
As we continue to face the twin challenges of rising COVID cases as well as the non-COVID healthcare needs of many in our communities, we have implemented a Medical Officer of the Day (MOD). The MOD works with the St. Cloud Hospital Nursing Supervisors as well as Medical Directors in the regional sites to maintain situational awareness, triage needs, and provide clinical support.
The MOD works with the St. Cloud Hospital Nursing Supervisors as well as Medical Directors in the regional sites to maintain situational awareness, triage needs, and provide clinical support.
At our recent Clinical Partner leadership meeting, Dr. Ari Dalal and Dr. Deb Peterson shared how the MOD coordinates with all CentraCare, Carris, Benson and Litchfield sites. Specifically, Divert Notifications and Phone Consults are directed to the Medical Officer of the Day. The MOD reviews patient charts, connects with the regional provider offering support and reviews bed availability, facilitating transfer when possible. In the event that a transfer is not possible, the MOD consults with the regional provider to manage the patient locally.
Said Dr. Deb Peterson, “When things are this tough, this is exactly what we need. It does feel like we truly are all in this together.”
Dr. Peterson’s comments were affirmed by Dr. Lindsay Chmielewski who expressed gratitude for Dr. Dalal. It was Dr. Chmielewski’s experience and suggestion that provided the initial impetus for the Medical Officer of the Day.
At the meeting, Dr. Joe Mercuri offered his perspective, “My learning experience (from MOD) drove home how excellently these patients are being cared for by physicians, nurses and the staffs in the regional facilities.”
Medical Officer of the Day Huddle
An example of the MOD Huddle (below) with St. Cloud Hospital Nursing Supervisor Karen Neis illuminates the work and coordination.
A recent recap of activity shows the following:
120 Phone Consults
Approximately five consults per day and four to five reviews for triage of incoming transfers
Calls by Site:
Benson – 13
Litchfield – 2
Long Prairie – 14
Melrose – 16
Monticello – 16
Paynesville – 6
Redwood Falls – 11
Sauk Centre – 28
Willmar – 13
Physician Executive of the Day
In addition, there is also a Physician Executive of the Day who directs higher level system issues and steps in when ethical issues arise.