Are people in your hospital asking you to work beyond the scope of your clinical documentation specialist (CDS) role? You may be experiencing scope creep – here’s how to nip it in the bud.
What is scope creep?
In general, scope creep is a term that describes when a project’s requirements or deliverables increase or change beyond the project’s original scope.
The “scope” of a project is its boundaries. If, after commencing a project or program, stakeholders add more requirements or expect more of a person or team than originally agreed, the scope “creeps” out of its boundaries.
“Out of scope” is an expression for when someone is asked to do something that is not explicitly stated in their job description or project requirements.
In many cases poor communication, or a simple misunderstanding of the project’s requirements, can cause scope creep. The best way to avoid scope creep is to always encourage open lines of communication.
How does scope creep relate to CDI?
Typically within a CDI program, a CDS may experience scope creep when managers ask them to work on initiatives that they believe would be best suited for the CDS, even if they may only be semi-related to clinical documentation improvement (CDI).
But any initiative that takes time away from essential tasks like reviewing patient records, and engaging with and educating clinical staff, will be detrimental to the success of the CDI program.
Think of scope creep as anything outside of the CDS’s defined position description – it’s the number one vexation of CDS’ when it comes to running an effective CDI program.
Scope creep is a common phenomenon in the CDI world
If you’re a CDS who manages your hospital’s CDI program, you may have a hospital administrator asking you to do work that is out of scope.
If you want to maintain your program’s momentum, it’s important to remain focused and aligned with the scope of your role. If there is a risk of scope creep, take a collaborative approach and have the confidence to initiate discussions to ensure you maintain focus and keep the CDI program on track.
CDI is a journey that requires a scientific approach to behaviour change. The role of the CDS as the reinforcement element is a key component of this evidence-based strategy.
People who are asking you to do work that is out of scope may not appreciate the importance or value of the CDI program – so it’s important to reinforce the program’s objectives and goals.
Often, scope creep isn’t just one change, rather a series of changes that creep and creep until the entire CDI program is compromised.
Scope creep doesn’t just impact the CDS – it can happen to anybody who documents in the patient record, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
How to manage scope creep
If your CDI program is experiencing scope creep, here’s how you can get a handle on the situation:
Scope creep isn’t always a bad thing
Scope creep takes time away from the valuable work you need to do in running an effective CDI program, but sometimes it’s not a bad thing if the change is supportive of the program’s outcomes.
Being flexible and adapting to change – especially in these times – is an essential aspect of running any project.
Controlled change should be managed by the CDS or the CDS team, so it doesn’t negatively impact the CDI program.
The final word
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