Back row, left to right: Yolanda Patterson, RN; Kristy Beck, ACP; Dr. Susan Chan, Director Operating Room Services; Mario Alvarez, ANIII PTU,PACU, IOU; Noel Valmores, RN; Maria Orellana-Sejovia, EVS Support; Brenda Poole, Interim ANIV PTU, PACU, IOU. Front row left to right: Olivia Ramos, RN; Sun Lee, RN; Mary Ann Zapanta, RN.

Interventional Observation Unit Improves Operational Efficiency

With more than 125 patients per day receiving treatment in 36 state-of-the-art procedure rooms, the new Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (RRUCLA) is one of the busiest places in the world for interventional procedures. “Patients and surgeons come here because of our advanced technology and reputation for clinical excellence, but the high procedure volumes and subsequent need for patient beds present throughput challenges,” says Susan Chan, M.D., RRUCLA operating room (OR) director. In response, UCLA Health System has established a 12-bed interventional observation unit (IOU), which works collaboratively with the pre-treatment unit (PTU), OR and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to support efficient case scheduling and excellent patient care.

Most patients who undergo invasive procedures spend approximately two hours recovering in the PACU before being discharged or transferred to a private room. Some patients, however, particularly those with higher levels of acuity, need to be observed overnight or longer. The IOU staff provides the appropriate level of observation and care for patients after they leave the PACU, while they wait to go home or receive a private bed placement. Located on the second floor of RRUCLA, the IOU’s proximity to operating rooms, cardiac catheterization labs, interventional radiology labs and medical procedure rooms is ideal for facilitating continuity of care because surgeons and anesthesiologists can conveniently conduct rounds and engage with IOU staff to monitor patient care between cases.

“Patients may be cared for in more than one area while in the hospital, but each patient has one surgical experience,” explains Brenda Poole, R.N., interim unit director for the IOU, PACU and PTU. “Successful management of the patient experience depends on how well we communicate with each other.” IOU RNs, clinical care partners and administrative care partners work closely and communicate hourly with PACU, OR and PTU staff to ensure a seamless flow of information among care providers.

It’s a team effort that appears to be working. “The IOU staff will stay a little bit longer if needed,” Brenda says. “They work together to get the best information. They really want to do the right things for the right reasons.” Brenda commends the clinical skill, professionalism and flexibility of the IOU team, which she believes matches or exceeds that of any staff at any facility in country.