Efficient Management of Equipment in OT to Minimize Delays and Ensure Patient Safety
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
26 December 2025
The primary aim is to increase the success rate in accessing anaesthesia equipment on the first attempt during procedures by. The quality initiative successfully streamlined the process of accessing anaesthesia equipment, enhancing efficiency and patient.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 26 December 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Operational Management, Inventory Management, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign
About this Content
Aims
The primary aim is to increase the success rate in accessing anaesthesia equipment on the first attempt during procedures by 50%. The secondary aim is to reduce the time spent searching for McGrath in the operating theatre by 50% within 6 months.
Background
Before the QR code system, the first-attempt success rate for locating the McGrath device was 30%, with a median monthly location time of 5.5 minutes, causing delays. The process for tracking anaesthesia equipment, including McGrath devices, was informal and inconsistent, leading to inefficiencies and potential disruptions in the operating theatre.
Methods
Implement QR codes to track anaesthesia equipment locations in theatres, reducing search time and improving access. QR codes were placed on nine different types of anaesthesia equipment, allowing staff to scan and update locations. A central link was provided for real-time access to updated equipment locations.
Results
Post-intervention, the success rate improved to 65%, and the median monthly location time dropped to 3 minutes, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency and potentially improving patient safety by minimizing theatre delays.
A root cause analysis was conducted to identify the possible causes of delay, and they were presented in a fishbone diagram. The initiative involved continuous staff training and adjustments based on data and staff feedback for continuous improvement.
Conclusion
The quality initiative successfully streamlined the process of accessing anaesthesia equipment, enhancing efficiency and patient safety in the operating theatre. Regular monitoring and feedback will ensure ongoing improvements and long-term success.
Lessons Learnt
Challenges in maintaining an organized system and the importance of structured communication were highlighted. The implementation of QR codes and real-time tracking technology proved effective in improving equipment accessibility.
Keywords
QR Code, Anaesthesia, Equipment, QR code, Workflow, Efficiency
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Sengkang General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration, Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators, Facilities Management, Nursing, Nursing Research |
Project Lead(s) | Qi Xiaoyan |
Project Member(s) | Tan Gui Yu |
Connect with this contributor!
Qi Xiaoyan - qi.xiaoyan@skh.com.sg