Bure Yohannes Internal Medicine Speciality Center Protocol for Outpatient Core Functions
1. Purpose
To outline the core functions of the outpatient department, ensuring comprehensive, patient-centered
care through efficient coordination of clinical, diagnostic, and pharmacy services.
2. Core Functions
A) Care of Ambulatory Patients
1. Clinic Work-flow:
- Triage: Prioritize patients.
- Consultation: Structured appointments for acute/chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
- Chronic Disease Management: Develop individualized care plans with patient education (e.g.,
COPD action plans).
2. Services:
- Adult medical illnesses care and follow up , wound care, minor procedures (e.g., suturing).
- Mental health counseling and referrals.
B) Examination & Management of Pre-admission Patients
1. Pre-Admission Assessment:
- Lab tests (CBC, electrolytes, coagulation profile).
- Imaging (CXR, ECG) and anesthesia consultation.
C) Follow-Up of Discharged & Ambulatory Patients
1. Post-Discharge Follow-Up:
- Schedule visits within 7 days of discharge (sooner for high-risk patients).
- Review medications, wound healing, and complications.
2. Ambulatory Follow-Up:
- Monitor chronic conditions (e.g., INR checks for anticoagulation therapy).
- Use telehealth for remote consultations.
3. Tracking:
- Maintain a Follow-Up Registry to log compliance and outcomes.
D) Pharmacy Service
1. Medication Dispensing:
- Verify prescriptions for accuracy, allergies, and interactions.
- Counsel patients on usage, side effects, and adherence.
2. Services:
- Medication reconciliation post-discharge.
- Pre-packaged dose systems for elderly or cognitively impaired patients.
3. Safety:
- Report adverse drug reactions (ADRs) via the center’s pharmacovigilance system.
E) Diagnostic Services (Lab & Imaging)
1. Laboratory Services:
- STAT Testing: Process urgent tests (e.g., troponin, CBC) within 1 hour.
- Routine Testing: Report results within 24 hours (e.g., lipid panels, HbA1c).
- Quality Control: Daily calibration and participation in EQA programs.
2. Imaging Services:
- Radiology: X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans with same-day reporting for emergencies.
Bure Yohannes Internal Medicine Speciality Center Protocol for Outpatient Core Functions
- Specialized Imaging: MRI/Mammography by appointment.
3. Documentation:
- Upload results to EHR and flag critical findings (e.g., pulmonary embolism).
3. Integration & Coordination
- Multidisciplinary Rounds: Weekly meetings with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and lab staff.
- EHR Utilization: Seamless sharing of patient data across departments.
- Referrals: Direct electronic referrals to specialists or inpatient services.
4. Staff Roles
- Physicians: Diagnose, treat, and coordinate care plans.
- Nurses: Triage, patient education, and follow-up scheduling.
- Pharmacists: Medication review, counseling, and ADR monitoring.
- Lab/Imaging Technicians: Ensure accurate, timely diagnostics.
5. Quality Assurance
- Monthly Audits:
- Triage accuracy, follow-up compliance, and lab turnaround times.
- Patient Satisfaction Surveys: Feedback on wait times, communication, and services.
- Incident Reporting: Document and address delays or errors (e.g., mislabeled specimens).
Approved By:
Dr.Lisanu Wosenu, Outpatient Services Director
Effective Date: 9/3/2025] | Revision: Annual
