Increased Specimen Rejection in SOC A43
Care Process & Redesign
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2024
The project team aims to reduce to at least 15 specimen rejection over a period of 6 months. The implemented changes have reduced specimen rejection and improved efficiency, and there is potential to spread these changes to.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Quality Improvement, Time Saving
About this Content
Aims
The project team aims to reduce to at least 15 specimen rejection over a period of 6 months.
Background
From January to August 2022, there were 42 rejected specimens in SOC A43 clinic, averaging five rejections per month, leading to increased workload, stress for staff, and inconvenience for patients.
Methods
The team identified root causes of specimen rejection and implemented solutions such as verifying order codes, reinforcing proper specimen collection techniques, and replacing old specimen labels.
Results
SOC A43 achieved a 55% reduction in specimen rejection, saving 72 hours of staff time and improving patient experience.
Conclusion
The implemented changes have reduced specimen rejection and improved efficiency, and there is potential to spread these changes to other clinics.
Lessons Learnt
Specimen rejection has significant consequences including patient discomfort and additional travel time, unnecessary time spent on re-work, and delay in diagnosis and treatment of patients. With the monitoring of the number, common causes of specimen rejection and sharing of the mitigating factors monthly, SOC A43 achieved a 55% reduction in specimen rejection. The reduction in specimen rejection has saved 72hours of the ground staff’s time previously spent on rework, freeing them up for more productive tasks. This has also had a positive impact on patient experience by reducing delays and improving efficiency.
Additional Information
The project also focuses on patient safety, experience, innovation, productivity, and sustainability.
Keywords
Specimen Rejection, Specimen Collection, Haemolysed
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Not Applicable |
Project Lead(s) | Geng Haiyu |
Project Member(s) | Tay Lee Hiang |
Connect with this contributor!
Geng Haiyu - haiyu_geng@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
451_NTFGH _QM 2024_Increased Specimen Rejection in SOC A43.pdf