Increase Uptake of ElastomericInfusion Pumps (EIP) for Suitable Patients in KTPH@Home
Care Continuum
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group
2 July 2026
A quality improvement initiative to increase EIP utilisation in KTPH@Home through earlier patient identification and faster pharmacy preparation, resulting in improved efficiency, reduced home visits, nursing time savings, and cost avoidance.
Year Submitted: 2026
Published Date: 2 July 2026
Tags: Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Care Process & Redesign, Productivity, Turnaround Time, Utilisation Rate, Cost Saving, Home Care
About this Content
Aims
To increase the utilisation of elastomeric infusion pumps (EIP) among suitable KTPH@Home patients by improving processes and identifying opportunities for optimisation.
Background
EIP allows selected IV antibiotics to be administered once daily instead of multiple doses, reducing nursing workload and operational costs while maintaining good patient outcomes. However, utilisation is not maximised, hence the need to review and improve current processes to increase adoption and efficiency.
Methods
The team mapped the current process and conducted a gap analysis to identify delays (e.g., late patient identification and long Pharmacy Compounding Lab (PCL)). A streamlined target workflow was developed, focusing on early identification and pre-prepared EIP stock. Changes were tested through rapid PDSA cycles, reducing turnaround time to 1 day and improving uptake.
Results
Fewer nurse home visits and faster care delivery Early identification and reduced turnaround time improved EIP uptake. 3 patients started/activated on EIP 24 man-hours saved (16+8 hours) Cost avoidance: $1116.
Conclusion
Early patient identification and faster EIP preparation significantly improve efficiency, reduce workload and cost, and enhance patient care. The optimised workflow is effective and can be further scaled with continued refinement.
Lessons Learnt
Early planning and consistent workflow are critical for smooth implementation 1-day TAT is more practical than ready stock (reduces wastage) Staff alignment and consistent patient assessment are important Patient acceptance remains an area for improvement.
Additional Information
NA
Keywords
Elastomeric infusion pump, Home hospitalization, Intravenous antibiotics, OPAT, Workflow redesign, Turnaround time reduction, Nursing productivity, Quality improvement
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital & Yishun Community Hospital |
Platform(s) | KTPH Leading Kaizen Projects |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Medical, Pharmacy |
Project Lead(s) | Dr. Kanak Naidu – Senior Consultant |
Project Member(s) | Dr. Ranjeev Kumar – Senior Consultant Fiona Yoong – Assistant Nurse Clinician Gavin Loo – Senior Pharmacist Tan Rui Ling – Senior Assistant Manager Nurliyana Binte Hussien – Senior Associate Executive |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr. Kanak Naidu – Senior Consultant - naidu.kanak@nhghealth.com.sg