If a patient is in need of a glass of water or an extra blanket at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, all he or she has to do is hit the call button. If a patient isn’t happy with his or her care, the answer is now just a phone call away.

Last month, the five-hospital system rolled out a new communication initiative that allows patients and families to get a second opinion. The Call FIRST (Family Initiated Rapid Screening Team) program features a direct line to a nursing supervisor or consult nurse. It was developed as a way to improve patient care, as a nurse outside the plan of care is able to add in a different evaluation and perspective on the issue at hand in 15 minutes or less.

To put fears of overuse at rest, Community is emphasizing that the program is strictly for urgent matters.

Source: The Indianapolis Star