Utilization Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS
* Baccalaureate degree in a health related discipline, or suitable combination of relevant education and experience related to the position
* Current registration and member in good standing with the relevant provincial association/organization
* Five (5) years of clinical practice experience in a health care setting
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License, and access to a personal vehicle to provide service within the Prairie Mountain Health
* Relevant experience in discharge planning and bed utilization
* Knowledge, competence and ability to demonstrate clinical skills and concepts in accordance with approved standards
* Demonstrated knowledge of community resources and an ability to access patient-client services
* Demonstrated leadership and supervisory ability
* Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
* Demonstrated experience in employee and labour relations
* Demonstrated experience in initiating changes and improvements, including skills in workplace re-engineering within a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) environment
* Ability to prioritize in a changing environment
* Sensitivity to the human and political dynamics of health care management
* Strong organizational, decision making and problem solving skills
* Demonstrated ability to develop Policy & Procedures
* Ability to display independent judgment
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis

POSITION SUMMARY

The Utilization Coordinator is responsible for ensuring appropriate bed utilization by facilitating and coordinating the movement of patients through the admission, transfer and discharge process. The Utilization Coordinator is required to work closely with other facilities/medical practitioners in the region/province and liaise between internal and external programs and agencies on matters related to patient movement.

The Utilization Coordinator participates in decision making with management and the Vice President Medical Services/Diagnostic Services/CMO to ensure effective admission, transfer and discharge processes as well as the optimal utilization of programs and facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

1. Develop and maintain close working relationships with community health agencies within Prairie Mountain Health and neighboring regions.
2. Identify and analyze bed utilization issues and work towards the eliminations of inappropriate hospitalization, including the development/utilization of appropriate tools, e.g. clinical pathways, process maps.
3. Promote the development, implementation, coordination, communication and evaluation of discharge planning activities by liaising with members of the health care team.
4. Collaborate with utilization coordinators, nursing managers, medical staff and other members of the health care team in planning admissions, transfers and discharges.
5. Make presentations re: utilization issues to nursing and medical staff and other health care professionals when the need is demonstrated.
6. Ensure response plans are in place and implemented at times of facility and regional peak demand.
7. Ensure that roles and activities related to admission, discharge, and transfer are understood and deployed by appropriate members of the health care team.
8. Generate and analyze utilization indicators in conjunction with program teams and regional utilization structures.
9. Continuously monitor the patient’s progress during the course of the hospitalization and make recommendations to the members of the multidisciplinary health care team.
10. Take note of patients with frequent admissions, especially where the length of time between admissions is decreasing and arrange for a conference that includes the patient, family and the health care team to assess the issues and find solutions, which will include a written plan of care that is known to all stakeholders.
11. Attend team and family conferences as required to review the patient plan.
12. Attend ward rounds.
13. Monitor and record off-service patient placements patient units.
14. Make recommendations for policies and procedures related to utilization issues to Nursing Directors, Nursing Management and allied areas.
15. Maintain personal contact with the Vice President of Medical and Diagnostic Services and provide written reports and statistical information on all aspects of utilization.
16. Communicate with staff/supervisors who are responsible after hours to ensure that movement of patients as necessary/planned for occurs.
17. Collaborate in assessing when rural patients are ready for transfer to their home facilities, and coordinate with those facilities to assess their skill set for caring for the convalescent patient.
18. Maintain a waiting list of non-urgent admissions to bring into the facility when a bed becomes available.
19. Screen potential transfers from tertiary care facilities and rural facilities for the appropriateness of admission.
20. Sundry duties as assigned.