Improving Access of Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis to TTSH Rheumatology Clinic
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2021
To increase the percentage of inflammatory arthritis patients seen at TTSH Rheumatology Clinic within 42 days from 40% to. Enhanced referral processes and clinic workflows improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Acute Care, Bed Occupancy Rate, Quality Improvement, Lean Methodology
About this Content
Aims
To increase the percentage of inflammatory arthritis patients seen at TTSH Rheumatology Clinic within 42 days from 40% to 100% within 6 months.
Background
Delay in treatment reduces quality of life for patients with inflammatory arthritis.
Methods
Optimized clinic slots, introduced Early Arthritis Clinic, and used a template for better referral letter information.
Results
Increased patient seen within 42 days to 84.5%, achieving cost savings of $556,800 annually by reducing biologics usage.
Conclusion
Enhanced referral processes and clinic workflows improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
Lessons Learnt
Structured interventions improve access to timely care for inflammatory arthritis patients.
Additional Information
NHG Quality Day 2021 Merit Award
Keywords
Inflammatory Arthritis, Referral Rate
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) | Ancillary Care, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Rheumatology, Healthcare Administrators, Allergy ＆ Immunology, Surgery |
Project Lead(s) | Justina Tan Wei Lynn |
Project Member(s) | Koh Li Wearn |
Connect with this contributor!
Adj Asst Prof Justina Tan Wei Lynn - justina_tan@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
C_569_TTSH_Quality_Day_2021_Improving_Access_of_Patients.pdf