Week 4 Assignment: Workflow Analysis Instructions and Grading Rubric

Assignment Rationale:

Please refer to the course syllabus to determine what percentage this assignment is of your final course grade. The purpose of this assignment is to allow each student an opportunity to create a workflow analysis.

Assignment Learning Objective:

Each assignment will be related to a specific learning objective. This assignment is linked to the following Week 4 Learning Objective 1 (Consider the design or redesign of healthcare systems to support workflow organization and governance in preparation for the case study project). 

Assignment Instructions:

Patient care is delivered in a highly organized and integrated fashion according to policies, procedures and clinical processes. The term “workflow” refers to the sequence of actions completed for any given task. Workflow and process designs ensure the most efficient and effective use of technology. Unintended consequences can occur from lack of attention to workflow and process changes. This is an all too common occurrence since vendors may or may not provide this service when implementing a new system. A flowchart is a graphic tool that uses standard symbols to visually display detailed information. Flowcharts can be used as a tool to make sure all members of a team have the same understanding of a process. When workflow is understood, technology can be implemented to enhance processes rather than create obstacles.  For this assignment, please analyze a workflow of your choice. Create a chart depicting the current workflow and then summarize any needed improvements. The summary of needed improvements can be written in paragraph form or in diagram form.There are several tutorial websites (many of them offer free software but please use Word or hand-write the diagram for simplicity’s sake) about how to create flowcharts. Please keep in mind this flowchart should be very simple. This exercise is meant to familiarize yourself with thinking through the process – not to become an expert in workflow analysis. However, please use the appropriate symbols within your diagram; the most commonly used symbol in a flowchart is the rectangle. The rectangle represents a process. Here is an example of a simple flowchart cut and pasted from Wikipedia:Flowchart. (2018). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FlowchartA real-life work situation could be used for this assignment or you can create a fictional workflow based on past experiences. For example, think of the last time you went to the dentist or the eye doctor. Think about how you progressed from the waiting room to the examination room and consider how the process might have been improved. It might help to keep the following questions in mind as you analyze the workflow:

• What is the next critical task that needs to be completed?
• Who is responsible for the task?
• What resources are needed to complete it?
• When does it need to be completed by?

1. For this assignment, please analyze a workflow of your choice.
2. Create a chart depicting the current workflow (please use appropriate symbols) and then summarize any suggested or needed improvements.
3. The summary of needed improvements can be written in paragraph form – there is no need to create a second diagram.
4. The workflow assignment should be completed within one-two pages. This is not a lengthy paper assignment. It is meant to be a worksheet type of learning activity.
5. Please read the grading rubric (below) carefully before submitting the assignment.
6. Please include any necessary references, making sure to use APA formatting.
7. This assignment is not a formal paper but an APA formatted cover sheet will still be required.
8. Submit this assignment as a Word document, using the link found within the Week 4 Learning Activities Folder.
9. It would be acceptable to compose this document by hand (rather than on a computer) and scan/upload the written document into the assignment submission link. However, here is a link to how to create a flowchart in Word.

Workflow Analysis Grading Rubric 

Element

Exemplary (4 points)

Proficient (3 points)

Developing (2 points)

Needs Improvement (1 points)

No Credit (0 points)

Initial Workflow DiagramDiagram provided demonstrates a thorough, completed  understanding of the depicted workflow process.Flawless use of flowchart symbols.Demonstrates a thoughtful understanding of the depicted workflow process.Appropriate use of flowchart symbols. Demonstrates a limited understanding of the depicted workflow process.Error(s) noted in the use of flowchart symbols. Demonstrates little understanding of the depicted workflow process.Flowchart symbols are not used. Not present in document.Suggested Workflow RevisionsUses specific and convincing examples to support revisions. Suggested revisions are insightful.Uses relevant examples to support recommended revisions.Suggested revisions are applicable to the workflow process.Uses examples to support recommended revisions; however, the suggested revisions do not seem relevant to the improvement of the workflow process.Suggested revisions are vague with no supporting examples provided. Not present in document.APA FormattingNo APA errors (cover page, in-text citations, and references).One to two APA errors (cover page, in-text citations, and references).Three to four APA errors (cover page, in-text citations, and references).Five APA errors (cover page, in-text citations, and references).More than five APA errors (cover page, in-text citations, and references).Grammar, Spelling, and Sentence StructureWriting is of excellent quality; free of any grammar and spelling errors. Writing is polished; maximum of one grammar or spelling error. Writing is adequate for graduate level work; maximum of two grammar or spelling errors.Writing is inadequate for graduate level work; three spelling or grammar errors.Poorly written with multiple spelling and grammar errors.