Early Ambulation For Post Operative Patients With Multiple Chest Tubes
Care Continuum
Care Process & Redesign
Singapore Healthcare Management Congress
SingHealth
31 December 2021
Achieve 50% of post-operative patients ambulating independently by POD3. Improved ambulation led to earlier discharges, reduced manpower burden, and enhanced patient recovery.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Care Continuum, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Length Of Stay, Value Based Care, Design Thinking, Acute Care, Ambulatory Care (Outpatient Care)
About this Content
Aims
Achieve 50% of post-operative patients ambulating independently by POD3.
Background
Ambulation was delayed due to multiple chest tubes, short manpower, and safety concerns; patients ambulated independently only by POD5.
Methods
Redesigned chest tube holders, introduced 5-legged stands for stability, and adjusted physiotherapy timing to non-busy periods.
Results
Achieved 50% ambulation by POD3; saved 3244 hours annually; reduced bed stays by 900 days, saving $532,539 annually.
Conclusion
Improved ambulation led to earlier discharges, reduced manpower burden, and enhanced patient recovery.
Lessons Learnt
Innovative tools, optimized physiotherapy scheduling, and teamwork are critical for early recovery outcomes.
Additional Information
Awarded 2nd Prize (Operations Category) at SHM Conference 2021.
Keywords
Early Ambulation, Chest Tubes, Patient Safety, Physiotherapy, Bed Day Savings
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | National Heart Centre Singapore |
Platform(s) | Singapore Healthcare Management Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Surgery, Physiotherapy |
Project Lead(s) | Yang RuiQin |
Project Member(s) | Foong Jia Yi |
Connect with this contributor!
Yang RuiQin - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg