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!
This week, we're heading regional and talking to Joanna Forteath from Ballarat Health Services. Hear Joanna's positive CDI philosophy and how she deals with clinicians who say they're "too busy".
Tell us about your current role.
I am one of two CDSs working for Ballarat Health Services in Victoria. We have a great team. Two CDSs share the EFT and we have a very supportive Health Information Manager.
What is your career background, and how has that contributed to your ability to work as a CDS?
I am a registered nurse with a crit care background. For most of my acute clinical years I worked in a busy Melbourne Emergency Department. I then had a change of career and started working with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine/ Donor Tissue Bank and Coroners Court of Victoria as a Transplant and Family Liaison Coordinator. In 2009 my family had a tree change to Ballarat and I started work as the inaugural Nurse Donation Specialist for Donatelife based at Ballarat Health Services’ ICU. After almost ten years working within the organ and tissue donation sector I decided to take my interest in clinical risk and quality improvement further and I started a role within Ballarat Health Services’ governance and risk department. The combination of having a clinical background, change management, governance and risk experience and quality improvement have all assisted in my CDS role.
What made you apply for a CDS role?
I was really excited about the potential and possibilities of the CDS role. I missed having clinical contact so saw it as a great way to be back on the wards using my collated skills.
What does your typical day look like?
My day is varied, a mix of record reviews and meetings with clinical staff, we follow a bit of a schedule to ensure we cover all units fortnightly. We have a great CDI team at Ballarat Health Services and we complement each other so well that every day cements our achievements for the program even more.
What was the moment when CDI really “clicked” for you?
Once we saw the results come through and how it can impact so many things for the health service the role really clicked, and I saw so much value in what we do. When working with clinicians it is great when you see it click for them!
How would you describe your personal CDI philosophy?
Engagement and encouragement. We are here to help, not make your job harder.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a CDS?
When the clinicians say “we are too busy today”- everyone in health care is busy! It is a matter of not just walking away but working out a way to work within their timeframes and availability.
What is the most memorable “win” you’ve had?
It would have to be when the “unengaged” clinician becomes engaged and even a clinical documentation champion!
If you could talk to yourself 10 years ago and tell them you’re now a CDS, what do you think they would say?
If it was twenty years ago, my young emergency department, adrenaline running self would laugh and say, “no way!” Ten years ago, I would probably also think “no way” as I couldn’t see a role like that being possible and probably couldn’t see how my career progression would lead to such a role. Mixing clinical knowledge and quality improvement directly with other clinicians is so great!
Favourite DRG?
T60- Septic Shock – The clinicians are treating it, know it, but just don’t seem to write it down.
Favourite additional diagnosis?
Deconditioning M62.50. So many acute patients become deconditioned during their stay. They are being reconditioned by physio and allied health all the time and there is talk about needing a rehab admission before discharge.
What are you excited about in the future of your role?
I think CDS roles are just starting to be recognised in Australia and it is exciting to have one of those roles as they develop and become a potential career path for nurses and other clinicians.
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.