Article Text
Abstract
Introduction The Regional Burns unit is situated at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and acts as the principle centre for Burns Care in Northern Ireland. Staff turnover is high within the medical team and new members must quickly learn to deal with tertiary referrals while seeing outpatients, caring for inpatients and operating, not to mention covering the nearby Children’s Hospital. With recent changes to the department, current induction protocols are dated and ineffective.
Method Plan, Do, Study, Act methodology was utilised and constituents of the multidisciplinary team were consulted. Recommendations where formulated regarding induction content and several drafts were developed and reviewed by the team.
Discussion The induction process was implemented and staff were surveyed in order to assess the value of the booklet and enhance the process for the next cohort of new workers. Staff unanimously agreed that the initial period working in the new team would have been significantly more difficult had they not had the new booklet. Incidentally, some long-term staff commented that they had also learned something new about the department.
Conclusion Clear, concise induction protocols result in an enhanced confidence in new staff. It also enhances patient safety and ensures a more seamless transition between team members and reminds staff of all facilities/services available to the department.