Standing Orders as a System Change

Creating and Implementing Standing Orders

Linda Mendoza – El Rio Community Health Center

It is a written instruction/document containing orders, rules, regulations or procedures prepared by a physician for the conduct of patient care.

Standing Order (SO) authorizes certain medical staff to carry out medical orders per practice-approved protocol.

SO usually apply to a certain patient population.

What is a Standing Order

Taking steps to improve patient’s health and longevity.

Early detection of disease. Meet and exceed screening protocols.

Review what is the need:

What are some common screenings or routine/seasonal immunizations you may consider for SO:• Breast and Cervical Cancer• Colorectal Cancer• Diabetes• Immunizations• Flu Shots• Diabetes

Standing Orders

Patients

• Education about health screening and their frequency

• Financial impacts

Who does the SO affect?

Staff

• Easier process

• Saves time

Content/Scope Who is your target population Documentation

Creating the SO

Increase and improve the delivery of services.

Identify and address care gaps. To meet and exceed screening protocols.

What are your desired outcomes

Organizations will have different processes.• Medical Director• Nursing Director• Committees

Getting your SO approved

Introduction of new SO. Training of staff. Resources available for both staff and

patients.

Implementation of SO

How do you measure Baseline at implementation. Review at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. Review SO for effectiveness. Important note “Have staff buy in!”

Outcomes

Questions?