INTRODUCTION

Mental health cases are growing in number here in Oman and as part of the expanded health care service in the country; MOH will soon open Al Masara Hospital and will become the main psychiatric facility that will cater to clients with psychiatric problems. Presently, Ibn Sina hospital is the one that caters to these growing numbers. And because of the increasing number of cases the hospital has encountered problems such as bed crisis. A bed crisis may be defined as a situation in which the emergency demand exceeds the capacity of vacant beds. Its onset may be sudden (such as after a major incident) or gradual developing over several days (Nick Egan). Bed crisis is caused by improper discharge policy, bed designations, reduction of bed complement and unclear management policies. With the said crisis, bed management is a clear solution. There are effective bed management strategies which mental health services can utilize to maximize bed usage and prevent inappropriate admissions. These strategies can be broadly divided into admission prevention, increasing admission throughput, effective discharge planning and appropriate safe alternatives to admissions.

This proposal is aimed to describe and analyze the role of bed managers within the hospital which will focus mainly on bed management. Todays approaches to managing and improving the quality of health care are moving in a new and positive direction. The need to evaluate the effectiveness of health care organizations, from both a quality and cost standpoint is a current priority. With the designation of this new position in the new hospital would help achieve the vision of institution of being recognized as a provider of excellent nursing services and its mission of promoting and protecting the welfare of every individual in the community.

This proposal will discuss the job summary, key responsibilities, credential of the said position. The Admission and Discharge flow chart will also be presented as main area of responsibility of a Bed Managers position.

By: AMO

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PROPOSAL
Bed Management: is the allocation and provision of beds, especially in a hospital where beds in specialist wards are a scarce resource. The "bed" in this context represents not simply a place for the patient to sleep, but the services that go with being cared for by the medical facility: admission processing, physician time, nursing care, necessary diagnostic work, appropriate treatment, and so forth. POSITION Core Title: Bed Manager JOB SUMMARY:

To participate in a 24 hour Clinical management service that provides clinical leadership, professional advice and clinical expertise To co-ordinate the utilization of beds, staff and workload ensuring a logical flow of patients throughout the institution, during admission and discharge.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Practice nursing within the Clinical Framework through which the organisation is accountable for continuously improving the quality of our services and safeguarding high standards of care by creating an environment in which excellence in Clinical Care flourishes. 2. Responsible for overall management, coordination and facilitation of efficient bed utilization within the institution. 3. Responsible for the implementation of bed management policies and protocols to ensure delivery of a client-focus service. 4. Collect and coordinate accurate bed utilization information and to resolve bed utilization problems on a daily basis. 5. As the Senior Manager on-site out of hours to lead and co-ordinate the activities of the hospital resolving where possible, problems that arise according to hospital policies, procedures and guidance.
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6. Record incidents that occur out of hours and liaise with the supervisor on duty as required. 7. Liaise and support the multi-disciplinary team with all bed management issues. 8. Prepare reports, analyze information and make appropriate recommendations with regards to bed management. 9. As a member of the Quality Assurance Team improve efficiencies in bed management. 10. Actively promote a therapeutic environment that meets the needs of the patients, relatives and carers. 11. To assist senior colleagues to develop clinical expertise and research based nursing practice and effective high quality bed management. 12. Contribute to clinical governance by participating in risk management processes within the institution. 13. To lead in the utilisation of all beds to the hospitals maximum potential so providing an efficient service with sensitivity in the distribution of outliers. 14. Assist in the discharge of the patients and identify and solve problems relating to discharge. 15. To lead the institution, as the point of contact in relation to bed occupancy and availability whilst co-ordinating admissions and managing the wards out of hours, ensuring compliance with bed management policies and procedures.

16. Responsible for the collection and analysis of bed management data for both internal audit and external reporting requirements. 17. Assist and support patient and public involvement strategies working with staff to resolve complaints. 18. Actively reflect on practice and take the opportunity to participate in Clinical Supervision.

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19. Contribute to the application and evaluation of current research and audit finding to be receptive and supportive towards the research/audit plans of others. 20. Be willing to work flexi-time.

Attributes Knowledge and expertise

j

Essentials Advanced practice nursing skills j Understanding of quality and change in the clinical setting. j Knowledge of professional j IT skills in word processing data collection

Method of Assessment Professional Portfolio

Qualification

Experience

j j

Analytical and judgmental skills

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Masters Degree in MSN (preferable)/ or Graduate of Bachelor of Science in nursing or Post basic Specialization Minimum 3yrs professional experience Able to demonstrate a proven track record of working across a range of clinical specialties Able to present factual information and deal with questions. Able to maintain accurate patient records.

Professional portfolio

Up to date CV Career history

Formal Interview /presentation

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Personal skills

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Ability to communicate in a variety Formal Interview of settings with patients of varying /presentation levels of understanding. Ability to develop effective interpersonal relationships with colleagues in the health care setting Calm and professional approach when working under pressure with the ability to support others High personal standards of performance and professionalism Sense of humour In good health

By: AMO

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