Delivering Hassle-Free Integrated Care for Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2021
To standardize perioperative care for emergency laparotomy patients and improve clinical outcomes. ELAP improved clinical outcomes, reduced mortality, and delivered cost savings.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Productivity, Cost Saving, Functional Outcome, Patient Reported Experience Measures
About this Content
Aims
To standardize perioperative care for emergency laparotomy patients and improve clinical outcomes.
Background
Emergency laparotomy (EL) is a high-risk surgery with significant care variations. Implementing a structured care pathway improved quality, efficiency, and outcomes.
Methods
Implemented the Emergency Laparotomy Pathway (ELAP) for perioperative and postoperative care.
Created a multidisciplinary care team, including ED, surgeons, geriatricians, anaesthetists, nurses, and allied health professionals.
Conducted prospective audits to track outcomes.
Results
Post-operative complications reduced from 19.1% to 12.3%.
Mortality rates decreased from 5.3% to 3.1%.
Length of stay reduced from 15.6 to 14.2 days.
Cost savings per patient: $4,181.
Functional recovery improved (46.7% ambulating by POD2).
Conclusion
ELAP improved clinical outcomes, reduced mortality, and delivered cost savings. Collaboration with other hospitals will expand this care model nationally.
Lessons Learnt
Effective teamwork, QI measurement, and local champions drove improvements. Prospective audits ensure ongoing optimization of the pathway.
Additional Information
Recognized for Value-Driven Care and better patient recovery outcomes.
Keywords
Emergency Laparotomy, Perioperative Care, Multidisciplinary Teams, Mortality Reduction, Functional Recovery, Quality Improvement, ELAP, Cost Savings, KTPH
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Geriatric Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Physiotherapy |
Project Lead(s) | Jerry Goo |
Project Member(s) | Marc Ong Weijie |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Jerry Goo - goo.jerry.tt@ktph.com.sg
Project Attachment
374_KTPH_NHIP_2021_Delivering_Hassle_free_Integrated_Care_COMBINED.pdf