In CDS Snapshot, we're profiling CDSs from across Australia and ICD-10-AM countries. We'll get to hear how they got into the role, their triumphs, and challenges they've faced. CDSs contribute enormously to patient safety, quality of care, health service sustainability, and CDI as a whole, and we want them front and centre!
In the latest edition we’re talking to the National CDS Manager of Ramsay Health Care Jo Gale. Hear about Jo's calling into CDI from her Masters' and her passion for imparting her CDI knowledge to others.
Tell us about your current role
Currently I am the National CDS Manager for Ramsay Health Care – a big role but made easy by the great CDS team I have at Ramsay.What is your career background, and how has that contributed to your ability to work as a CDS?
I was a Registered Nurse for 20 years before I embarked on this journey. My background was varied but was predominantly acute care. The last 10 years I worked in a busy, private perioperative environment in recovery/anaesthetics. This provided me with sufficient knowledge in many specialty areas but also helped me build upon my communication skills with clinicians in sometimes stressful situations.
What made you apply for a CDS role?
I completed a Masters’ of Clinical Nursing but was not wanting to follow the clinical leadership pathway. My final published paper highlighted that gaps in communication / documentation only provide a disservice to the patient and can lead to poor patient outcomes. I wanted to be part of the solution and a wise friend steered me in the direction of CDI. The role was perfect for me.
What does your typical day look like?
In this role, there is no typical day. Fundamentally I love imparting CDI knowledge so I am often found educating, providing support to the CDS team with clinician engagement, finding standardised solutions to processes that provide a simpler workflow, engaging with stakeholders and ultimately creating culture change. All in a day’s work!
What was the moment CDI really “clicked” for you?
When I was leading the bi-weekly casemix meeting, surrounded by clinical leaders, executives and the HIM. I really understood the importance of the correct provisional DRG and liaising with the MDT. We were collaborating, sharing our knowledge to reach the best outcome for the patient and the hospital. That is when I fully realised the importance of the role.
How would you describe your personal CDI philosophy?
Always remain the patient’s advocate.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a CDS?
Trying to incentivise VMOs.
What is the most memorable “win” you’ve had?
Having robust CDI conversations with anaesthetists and changing their mindset to understanding how complex the airways are that they manage even though they are experts in their field.
If you could talk to yourselves 10 years ago and tell them you’re now a CDS, what do you think they would say?
Take a leap of faith, it will be the best decision you make and you won’t feel less involved with patient care.
Favourite DRG?
H01
Favourite additional diagnosis?
Difficult Intubation
What are you excited about in the future of your role?
That in the future CDI will be embraced as part of the curriculum for medicine so the new generation of doctors will understand the benefits of having a good working relationship with a CDS; promoting safe communication and reducing poor patient outcomes.
Want to be the next CDS profiled on CDS Snapshot? Contact us at community@cdia.com.au.
We invite you to share your ideas, experiences, and achievements in CDI by submitting content to the CDIA Community! Contact community@cdia.com.au to learn more.