Improving the Safety of Heparin Usage
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2021
Reduce heparin errors through standardized protocols and practices to achieve zero harm. Standardized protocols and tools significantly reduced heparin errors, ensuring safer anticoagulation practices.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Adherence Rate, Risk Management, Preventive Approach
About this Content
Aims
Reduce heparin errors through standardized protocols and practices to achieve zero harm.
Background
Heparin errors are common due to its high-alert nature; administration errors were predominant.
Methods
Implemented standardized protocols, revised infusion forms, created heparin calculators, and trained staff through e-learning.
Results
Heparin errors reduced significantly over 5 years; administration errors dropped by 19% annually.
Conclusion
Standardized protocols and tools significantly reduced heparin errors, ensuring safer anticoagulation practices.
Lessons Learnt
Multi-disciplinary teamwork, senior management support, and iterative feedback were critical for improving safety.
Keywords
Heparin Safety, Safe Care, Medication Errors, Anticoagulation, Haematology, Patient Harm Reduction, Pharmacy, Nursing
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical, Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Pharmacology, Haematology, Cardiology, Neurology |
Project Lead(s) | Yap Eng Soo |
Project Member(s) | Tan Su Ching |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Yap Eng Soo - eng_soo_yap@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
97_NUH_NHIP_2021_Improving_the_Safety_of_Heparin_Usage_COMBINED.pdf