Nurse-Led Anaesthetic Discharge in Post Anaesthesia Care Unit in Day Surgery Centre. (NLAD)
Care Process & Redesign
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2020
To improve post-operative discharge processes, reduce bottlenecks, optimize manpower, and maintain patient safety through. The NLAD initiative optimized resource utilization, improved patient outcomes, and reduced PACU bottlenecks without compromising.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workforce Transformation, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Cost Saving, Value Based Care, Discharge Planning, Job Redesign, Trans-Disciplinary
About this Content
Aims
To improve post-operative discharge processes, reduce bottlenecks, optimize manpower, and maintain patient safety through nurse-led discharges.
Background
Anaesthetists were overburdened with post-operative discharges, causing delays and inefficiencies. This project empowered trained nurses to discharge patients under protocols.
Methods
Applied Lean 6-Sigma DMAIC methodology, redesigned processes, implemented pre-op assessments, and nurse-led discharge criteria to streamline workflows.
Results
3458 NLAD cases completed, reducing TAT from 95.9 to 79.6 minutes. 51,870 minutes of anaesthetist time were saved annually. Positive feedback from staff and patients was received.
Conclusion
The NLAD initiative optimized resource utilization, improved patient outcomes, and reduced PACU bottlenecks without compromising safety.
Lessons Learnt
Empowering nurses and using Lean 6-Sigma improves efficiency, reduces delays, and transforms workflows sustainably.
Keywords
Workforce Transformation, Lean 6-Sigma, Post Anaesthesia Care, Nurse-Led Discharge, Process Improvement, KTPH, Patient Safety.
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Anaesthesiology, Surgery |
Project Lead(s) | Lye Soh Teng |
Project Member(s) | Edwin Seet |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Lye Soh Teng - lye.soh.teng@ktph.com.sg