The Ohio State University College of Nursing and medical device company Welch Allyn have joined forces on new research aimed at improving the delivery of patient care.
The project will examine how patient physical evaluations are conducted and how the process can be improved, given the changing healthcare landscape and its growing emphasis on primary care and prevention. As a supplier of diagnostic equipment to patient-care facilities and emergency departments, Welch Allyn is interested in understanding the physical assessment workflow, including the challenges and needs associated with this process in primary- and emergency-care settings. The ultimate goal will be to improve the healthcare delivery process for both providers and patients alike.
“Given our shared vision of transforming healthcare and improving health outcomes, it seemed natural to partner with Welch Allyn in this exciting endeavor,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, university chief wellness officer, vice president for health promotion and dean of the College of Nursing at Ohio State. “This relationship serves as a leading example of our college’s commitment to improving patient care through innovative education, research and evidence-based clinical practice. And, because nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians are all on the frontlines of care, their input is crucial to the success of this project. Interprofessional teams delivering care result in improved health outcomes, so including each discipline makes for more valuable feedback overall.”
Research is being conducted on the Ohio State campus. The College of Nursing will also provide research expertise and evidence reviews on relevant topics, as well as secure clinicians for interviews to be conducted by the Welch Allyn team of engineers, usability and technology experts, and marketing executives. Once enough feedback is gathered, the teams will work together to develop new concepts to improve the physical-exam process.
“For 100 years Welch Allyn has been committed to delivering practical innovations that help doctors and nurses provide better care for their patients,” said Sal Strods, senior director of advanced technology and sensors. “As healthcare continues to undergo rapid transformations, we must be ready to provide clinicians with the right equipment to help meet further challenges. Our partnership with The Ohio State University College of Nursing will allow us to learn first-hand the challenges physicians, nurses and patients face in this changing industry. Unlike other partnerships, this agreement is extremely interactive, allowing clinicians to guide the Welch Allyn team on what they need most to help improve patient care. Basically, products will be modeled by clinicians for clinicians.”
“This relationship greatly supports our college’s goal of fostering collaborative entrepreneurial initiatives with local, national and international partners to improve healthcare and health outcomes, as well as enhancing the experience for both providers and their patients,” added Melnyk.
About The Ohio State University College of Nursing
The Ohio State University College of Nursing is the world’s preeminent college known for accomplishing what is considered impossible through its transformational leadership and innovation in nursing and health, evidence-based practice and unsurpassed wellness. As part of the largest health sciences campus in the United States, the College of Nursing offers seven innovative academic programs. The college’s graduate nursing programs are among the top five percent in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report, while its online graduate program is ranked 6th and its RN to BSN program is ranked 8th as part of Ohio State’s ranking for online bachelor’s degree programs. Annual college enrollment is approximately 1,950 students. The college celebrated its centennial in 2014.
About Welch Allyn, Inc.
Since 1915, Welch Allyn has brought a unique perspective to developing diagnostic solutions by combining pragmatic knowledge with a visionary spirit of innovation and ongoing improvement. As a leading global manufacturer of physical examination instruments and accessories and EMR-connected vital signs and cardiac monitoring solutions, the company has a steadfast commitment to delivering superlative medical products, services and solutions that help healthcare professionals provide better care for their patients. Welch Allyn is headquartered in Skaneateles Falls, New York, and employs more than 2,600 people in 26 different countries. Visit welchallyn.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
