Axing Rejected Pathology Specimens From Inpatient Wards
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2017
Reduce rejected pathology specimens from inpatient wards to 1% by December 2016. Created a culture of improvement with open data sharing and ongoing trend analysis.
Year Submitted: 2017
Published Date: 31 December 2017
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Productivity, Inpatient Care, Clinical Practice Improvement
About this Content
Aims
Reduce rejected pathology specimens from inpatient wards to 1% by December 2016.
Background
Pathology investigations are critical for cancer diagnosis, and specimen rejection delays results, causing patient anxiety.
Methods
Implemented duplex printing, nurse manager checks, timely feedback loops, monthly rejection breakdowns, and inclusion of safe labeling in nursing orientation.
Results
Pathology specimen rejection rate reduced to 0.2% - 0.8% since February 2016.
Conclusion
Created a culture of improvement with open data sharing and ongoing trend analysis.
Lessons Learnt
Regular feedback, openness to new ideas, and inter-departmental engagement are critical to success.
Additional Information
Merit Award winner for TTSH QI competition 2017.
Keywords
Process Redesign, Quality Improvement, Specimen Integrity, Timely Feedback, Safe Labeling
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Pathology |
Project Lead(s) | Jeanne Sng |
Project Member(s) |
Connect with this contributor!
Jeanne Sng - jeanne_sng@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
8_TTSH_AHSP_Axing_Rejected_Pathology_Specimens_frm_Inpatient_Wards_combine.pdf