This project has taught me an immense amount of information on the nursing process and quality control. As a group, we got to identify a current issue within the hospital and collaborate to resolve this issue. When searching for ideas for this project, we collectively agreed on researching the importance of accurate documentation of input and output. Documentation can be a tedious task and consume valuable time that could be used on face-to-face patient care yet, should not be underestimated. Adequate documentation of input and output can play a tremendous role in directing the course of treatment for patients. For example, patients with congestive heart failure tend to gain weight via the accumulation of fluid. This fluid increases the weight of the patient causing them to experience edema. These patients tend to be put on a diuretic which will reduce the amount of fluid within their system. Input and output come into play when determining how much fluid is coming out of the body versus being put in. If a diuretic is used, the patient should experience an increased output. Documentation of this output should be done adequately so that doctors can properly dose their medications and have an accurate representation of the patient’s current condition. Recording a patient’s input is just as important as it can give insight into if a patient is potentially dehydrated or malnourished. This information is vital in keeping the patient safe.
Through this project, we learned more than just what input and output is and how important it is. We also came up with a potential solution and key points to help health care staff to accurately document it. Devices such as an automated urine output device (UOPs) can allow for precise measurements of output from a patient. These devices can help reduce the tedious task of checking the patient’s urinal and allows for accurate handoff when reporting. We discovered other methods that can assist in making sure the health care team accurately documents input and output. This can include increasing the amount of education that is being done via a class online or in person. Classes are an efficient way to educate team members so that they can understand why it is important and how they can do their part in providing accurate documentation. These methods can be implemented to help increase the accuracy of the documentation that is being done.
A lot has been learned through this process and this information can be utilized later on during my practice. Nursing is an ever-changing occupation that requires extensive research and education to be successful. New technology is constantly coming out that can influence proper documentation. This project has taught me the importance of recording what a patient takes in and what they put out. This information can be shared with coworkers while being a nurse which will ultimately provide a positive benefit to the patient. This project has taught me how to collaborate with my peers to achieve a common goal in the health care setting. Quality control will always be a part of health care as we are constantly looking for new and more efficient ways to provide the best care possible. This project required extensive research and critical thinking to interpret and resolve a current issue. With this newly acquired knowledge and skill set, I will be able to further improve my future employer by participating in quality control and evidence-based practice initiatives.
Reflecting on the team process, I am able to see how I performed as a member of the group and how that affected our overall project. I have discovered that I am very effective when it comes to communication. I can help resolve conflict between members by being a mediator. I hold the capability to listen to both sides effectively and be able to help come down to a decision. These qualities can also help me later on when I am practicing as a registered nurse.
Currently, feedback on our dissemination project has yet to be completed. We await the feedback from our clinical instructor and floor personnel.
Great job with this, Mike! The brochure is easy to read, and it isn’t too busy. You guys did a great job with providing why this is such an important concept and I also think you did a good job addressing the barriers to accurate charting and how to combat that. This brochure does a really good job explaining the importance of accurate intake and output, while not overwhelming its audience.
This is a great and thorough reflection overall. I personally can be guilty of “skimming over” a patient’s intake and output in terms of the most important aspects of a patient’s documentation, however your reflection just re-ingrained into my head the importance of it. It was especially helpful how you gave an explanation to its importance, and the effects intake and output can have on the patient’s health and safety. The automated urine output device sounds like a great idea and something that would be able to be easily implemented in most if not all settings requiring I&O’s.
I think your flyer had very clear information. Each point nicely summed up appropriate and educational information. I think that adding in how patients can help was a great addition because it can increase accuracy of I&O’s. Overall, great job!