Frequency of Swallowing Intervention for Patients with NG tube
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To improve the frequency of swallowing intervention for patients with nasogastric tube feeding. Fixed intervention timings improved care delivery but highlighted the need for adaptability and sustained monitoring.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Lean Methodology, Clinical Practice Improvement
About this Content
Aims
To improve the frequency of swallowing intervention for patients with nasogastric tube feeding.
Background
Patients with NG tube feeding often face complications like reflux and aspiration pneumonia. Less than 50% of stroke patients at TTSH Rehab Centre received swallowing intervention daily, impacting recovery efficiency.
Methods
Conducted root cause analysis, identified scheduling and manpower issues, and introduced caregiver training and fixed intervention timings for Speech Therapists.
Results
Swallowing intervention increased to 5 days/week for NG tube patients. Initial caregiver training had mixed results; fixed time slots achieved short-term success but required flexibility for sustainability.
Conclusion
Fixed intervention timings improved care delivery but highlighted the need for adaptability and sustained monitoring.
Lessons Learnt
Communication with stakeholders was critical to addressing assumptions and barriers. Flexibility and long-term monitoring are essential for effectiveness.
Keywords
Quality Improvement, Process Improvement, Lean Methodology, Swallowing Intervention, Nasogastric Tube, Stroke Patients, Allied Health
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) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Therapy |
Project Lead(s) | Chok See San |
Project Member(s) | Ng Seok Kheng |
Connect with this contributor!
Chok See San - See_San_Chok@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
349_TTSH_Speech_Therapy_Frequency_of_Swallowing_Intervention_for_Patients_with_NG_tube_combine.pdf