West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 1.22 Effective Date: 10/01/98

1.22

Patient Flow Analysis

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POLICY:

The purpose of Patient Flow Analysis (PFA) is to empower WIC clinic personnel with a tool for improving the WIC clinic environment (i.e. team work, customer service and clinic flow).

PROCEDURE:

A. PFA Study Training

All WIC personnel will be trained to conduct PFA studies.

B. Frequency of Conducting PFA Studies

1. A minimum of one (1) PFA study or one (1) follow-up study will be conducted in a Local Agency WIC clinic every six (6) months, or as necessary to meet Local Agency WIC clinic requirements.

2. Each Local Agency WIC clinic will have a minimum of one (1) PFA study and one (1) follow-up study conducted during a two (2) year period.

C. PFA Study and Follow-up Study Documentation

The Local Agency Director or designee will document each PFA study and follow-up study conducted on the Local Agency PFA Documentation sheet (see Attachment #1 1.22).

D. PFA Study and Follow-up Study Staff Meetings

The Local Agency Director or designee will conduct a staff meeting following each PFA study and follow-up study and complete the Local Agency PFA Staff Meeting Documentation sheet (see Attachment #2 1.22).

1. The purpose of the PFA study staff meeting is to identify one WIC clinic problem and find a possible solution.

5. The purpose of the PFA follow-up study staff meeting is to determine if the intervention was successful or if further actions are necessary.

E. Steps of Each PFA Study Include:

< Planning;

< Holding a staff orientation;

West Virginia WIC Policy & Procedure 1.22 Effective Date: 10/01/98

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Patient Flow Analysis

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< Collecting data;

< Editing and entering data into the computer using the CDC PFA software;

< Printing graphs and statistics;

< Analyzing findings with staff input;

< Brainstorming solutions with staff input (Local Agency Director or designee who is responsible for implementation of office changes must be present); and

< Implementing changes (Local Agency Director or designee) and restudying for effects.

F. Questions or Problems

Contact the State Agency with questions/problems or for requesting PFA supplies.