Joshi, MugdhaGokhale, ArjunMa, StephenPendrey, AnnaWozniak, LaurenMoturu, AnooshaSchwartz, Nicholas U.Wilson, AustinDarmawan, KellyPhillips, BrianCullum, StavSharp, ChristopherBrown, GretchenShieh, LisaSchmiesing, Clifford2024-09-202024-09-202024-07-05Joshi M, Gokhale A, Ma S, et al. "Covering provider": an effort to streamline clinical communication chaos. JAMIA Open. 2024;7(3):ooae057. Published 2024 Jul 5. doi:10.1093/jamiaopen/ooae057https://hdl.handle.net/1805/43469Objective: This report describes a root cause analysis of incorrect provider assignments and a standardized workflow developed to improve the clarity and accuracy of provider assignments. Materials and methods: A multidisciplinary working group involving housestaff was assembled. Key drivers were identified using value stream mapping and fishbone analysis. A report was developed to allow for the analysis of correct provider assignments. A standardized workflow was created and piloted with a single service line. Pre- and post-pilot surveys were administered to nursing staff and participating housestaff on the unit. Results: Four key drivers were identified. A standardized workflow was created with an exclusive treatment team role in Epic held by a single provider at any given time, with a corresponding patient list column displaying provider information for each patient. Pre- and post-survey responses report decreased confusion, decreased provider identification errors, and increased user satisfaction among RNs and residents with sustained uptake over time. Conclusion: This work demonstrates structured root cause analysis, notably engaging housestaff, to develop a standardized workflow for an understudied and growing problem. The development of tools and strategies to address the widespread burdens resulting from clinical communication failures is needed.en-USAttribution 4.0 InternationalClinical communicationSecure text messagingProvider assignmentQuality improvementLeanArticle