Fully utilize Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy endoscopic procedure kit

Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 March 2025

Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Time Saving, Cost Saving, Resource Allocation

About this Content

Aims

Fully utilize Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy endoscopic procedure kit by reducing wastage and improve cost efficiency for patient coming for both gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedure from the April 2023 to September 2023 in Gleneagles Hospital Endoscopy Centre.

Background

This quality improvement project aims to optimize the use of procedure kits in the Endoscopy Centre to enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste and improve patient care. Procedure kits are integral to endoscopic procedures, containing all necessary instruments and materials. However, inefficiencies such as underutilization, overstocking, and kit mismanagement can lead to increased costs, procedural delays, and potential compromises in patient safety.

Methods

The project employs a multifaceted approach to address these challenges. Initial steps include a comprehensive audit of current kit usage, inventory levels, and waste generation. Data from this audit will inform the development of standardized protocols for kit preparation and utilization. Training sessions for staff on these protocols is conducted to ensure adherence and highlight the importance of optimal kit use. The implementation phase involved real-time monitoring and periodic reviews to assess compliance and identify areas for further improvement. Metrics such as kit utilization rates, inventory turnover, and cost savings will be tracked. Additionally, feedback from the endoscopy team gathered to refine the process continually.

Results

Reduction in waste: Before the implementation of the optimized procedure kit protocols, a total of 5,680 items were discarded due to inefficiencies in kit management. Postimplementation, the project achieved zero discarded items, signifying a complete elimination of waste. Cost savings for patients: The project led to a 29% reduction in patient bill for procedural kit item only. This is primarily due to more efficient use of procedure kits and the elimination of unnecessary waste. This directly benefited patients by lowering the cost of the endoscopic procedures without compromising care quality.

Conclusion

The quality improvement project successfully optimized the use of gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedure kits, leading to a significant reduction in waste and operational costs while improving overall procedural efficiency. By standardizing protocols and enhancing staff training, the Endoscopy Centre saw improved kit utilization rates and smoother operations. The ongoing feedback mechanism allowed for continuous improvement, and the project offers a sustainable model for resource management that can be applied to Endoscopy Centres in IHH SG.

Lessons Learnt

1. Audit Importance: Conducting a thorough audit of kit usage and inventory was vital in identifying inefficiencies, such as overstocking or underutilization, that were previously overlooked. It highlighted the need for consistent monitoring to avoid waste and ensure readiness.

2. Standardization Enhances Efficiency: Developing and implementing standardized protocols for kit preparation and utilization reduced variability in procedures, making processes more streamlined and efficient.

3. Training Boosts Compliance: Regular training sessions for staff on proper kit usage not only improved adherence to protocols but also fostered a better understanding of resource management and the importance of reducing waste.

4. Continuous Feedback Loop: Feedback from endoscopy staff was essential in identifying unforeseen challenges and allowed for ongoing refinement of the protocols. This helped in addressing operational concerns promptly and fostering team engagement.

Additional Information

Expected outcomes of this project include a significant reduction in plastic waste, lower operational costs, and enhanced procedural efficiency. Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable model for procedure kit management that can be replicated in other facilities, leading to broader organizational improvements in resource utilization and patient care standards.

Keywords

Cost reduction to patient, Smooth workflow to the staff, carbon footprint

Innovators' Details

Connect with this contributor!

Beatrice Lek - beatrice.lek@gleneagles.com.sg

Lee Miao Hui - miaohui.lee@gleneagles.com.sg

Project Attachment

218_IHH, GEH_IHHSG _Fully_utilize_Gastroscopy_N_Colonoscopy_endoscopic_procedure_kit.pdf