Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Though the previous solution automated the scheduling process, its limited functionality created schedules that often led to overworked clinicians and inequitable shifts. Even with manual intervention, the solution\u2019s scheduling algorithm often worked incorrectly, and Dr. Tang\u2019s lack of back-end administrative privileges prevented him from having full control over schedule outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Dr. Tang reached out to customer support for help, he was met with inconsistent service and long wait times. Occasionally, customer support was completely unavailable. The frustration he experienced often caused him to build the schedule by hand. This was tedious, but it was still faster than slogging through an automated build that required him to comb through the schedule after the fact to fix any glaring issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Implementation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Tang selected PerfectServe’s Lightning Bolt Scheduling solution<\/a> for its optimization capabilities. Since implementation, PIA has used the solution to auto-generate their call schedules and equalize shifts among providers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n “[With our previous solution], if the rules didn\u2019t work and I needed to re-run the schedule, I would have to start the whole thing over from scratch.”<\/p>\n Through the implementation of Lightning Bolt, PIA has transformed its scheduling processes, achieving unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility. From optimizing call assignments to enhancing schedule accessibility, Lightning Bolt has empowered PIA to streamline its operations and ensure fair and balanced workloads across the team. Here are some key areas where these changes have made a substantial impact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Schedule Optimization and Equalization<\/strong><\/p>\n With Lightning Bolt, PIA can now equalize all call assignments each time the schedule is built. Dr. Tang pushes a button to generate an accurate schedule that includes provider preferences and matches call demand while accommodating provider time off, shift-swap requests, and any other preferences expressed by individual clinicians. All changes are automatically reflected in the mobile application, meaning no provider is left with an outdated or incorrect schedule.<\/p>\n A scheduling workflow unique to PIA is the \u201cswing shift,\u201d where clinicians are on call all night and then switch to a daytime call shift. In Lightning Bolt, they can create this shift change as a \u201clinking\u201d rule, meaning their call assignment is automatically shifted over to the paging system, providing seamless clarity for providers\u2014and the technologists working those shifts\u2014through a dedicated phone number to reach the on-call doctor.<\/p>\n The link between Lightning Bolt and the paging system provides a single phone number to call day or night that routes to the correct person scheduled for that shift. For outside providers and technologists, this means no more searching the schedule to find who\u2019s on shift or on call\u2014they just dial one number to connect instantaneously with the right person. Additionally, by connecting this process to a single phone number that never changes, providers\u2019 personal cell phone numbers are no longer posted all over the hospital.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n 2<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Time Savings<\/strong><\/p>\n Lightning Bolt has also helped PIA reduce the time it takes to build schedules. For Dr. Tang specifically, Lightning Bolt\u2019s powerful auto-generative capabilities have saved \u201chours of time\u201d each month, both during and after schedule creation, since he no longer has to make an unreasonable number of manual adjustments after the fact.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n 3<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Reports and Analytics<\/strong><\/p>\n Before Lightning Bolt, PIA either tracked tallies by hand or by working with one of the previous vendor\u2019s consultants. For the latter option, this made the process dependent on consultant availability.<\/p>\n Now, Dr. Tang uses Lightning Bolt\u2019s tally and reporting functionalities to make sure shifts are equalized among his clinicians.<\/p>\n This ensures that shifts balance among his clinicians over time and can be verified through reports as often as needed. He also creates shift reports to share with payroll, ensuring pay is transparent and accurate based on the true number of shifts worked.<\/p>\n “Lightning Bolt\u2019s tally and reporting system is more intuitive, and it\u2019s much easier to run the report I need,” Dr. Tang said.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n 4<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Schedule Accessibility<\/strong><\/p>\n Previously, manual scheduling workflows meant the PIA team had to refer to printed schedules. Today, the real-time schedule is always accessible through the Lightning Bolt desktop and mobile apps, meaning the most accurate schedule is just a click away (on desktop) or in the palm of each clinician\u2019s hand (on mobile).<\/p>\n The schedule is also available through a public link with customizable views by assignment and staff. Hospital staff use the public link to know exactly which provider is on call and when. If clinicians choose to send it, the public link can also be made available to family members, friends, or other invested parties. With the public link, recipients have view-only access to the provider\u2019s up-to-date schedule.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n 5<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Back End Access<\/strong><\/p>\n Lightning Bolt\u2019s user-friendly interface has improved Dr. Tang\u2019s ability to correctly design his department\u2019s schedule from start to finish. Because he now has full administrative control over Lightning Bolt\u2019s rules, he doesn\u2019t have to rely on vendor assistance to make changes.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n 6<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n Superior Customer Service<\/strong><\/p>\n Learning a new solution can seem daunting, but Lightning Bolt\u2019s consistent customer-first approach and top-notch support team<\/a> made the process much easier for Dr. Tang. With Lightning Bolt, he can expect to receive timely and thorough assistance whenever he needs it.<\/p>\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t\n\n\n Merging two practices comes with its own set of unique challenges, but inefficient scheduling workflows don\u2019t have to be on the list. By implementing PerfectServe\u2019s Lightning Bolt Scheduling, PIA was able to save time, balance shifts, and optimize schedules, leading to a better schedule-building experience and happier clinicians across the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Lightning Bolt\u2019s tally and reporting system is more intuitive, and it\u2019s much easier to run the report I need.”<\/p>\r\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightning-bolt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pacific-imaging-case-study-1.png\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightning-bolt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Tang-Stephen_2-150x150.png\")
\u2014Dr. Stephen Tang<\/strong><\/cite>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nResults<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014Dr. Stephen Tang<\/strong><\/cite>\r\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.lightning-bolt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/pacific-imaging-case-study-2.jpg\")
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