Delay in Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Discharge: How Nurse-Led PACU Discharge Improved Operating Theatre Efficiency
Care Continuum
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2022
Increase the percentage of ASA I & ASA II patients discharged from PACU within 60 minutes. Nurse-led workflows significantly improved PACU throughput and OT efficiency.
Year Submitted: 2022
Published Date: 31 December 2022
Tags: Care Continuum, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Value Based Care, Discharge Planning
About this Content
Aims
Increase the percentage of ASA I & ASA II patients discharged from PACU within 60 minutes.
Background
Prolonged PACU stays led to inefficiency and dissatisfaction among staff, patients, and families.
Methods
Implemented Nurse-Led Discharge protocol, training, and workflow redesign.
Results
Discharge order readiness improved by 10%; discharge within 60 minutes increased by 20%.
Conclusion
Nurse-led workflows significantly improved PACU throughput and OT efficiency.
Lessons Learnt
Empowering nurses and structured protocols enhance efficiency and patient safety.
Keywords
Nurse-Led Discharge, PACU Efficiency, Empowerment, Post-Anaesthesia Care
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Anaesthesiology |
Project Lead(s) | Lean Lyn Li, Yang Dongli |
Project Member(s) | Wang Hongyan |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr. Lean Lyn Li - lyn_li_lean@nuhs.edu.sg