Nurse-led IV Bolus Opioids Administration in Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (NLAO)
Care Process & Redesign
Workforce Transformation
Yishun Health One Improvement Festival
National Healthcare Group
17 April 2025
The team applied Lean 6-sigma methodology, with the aim of a sustainable, value-add and affordable Nurse-Led Administration. The streamlined process effectively managed patient pain, enhancing comfort, reducing recovery time, and minimizing complications.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 17 April 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Productivity, Lean Methodology, Workforce Transformation, Job Redesign, Upskilling, Value Based Care, Safe Care
About this Content
Aims
The team applied Lean 6-sigma methodology, with the aim of a sustainable, value-add and affordable Nurse-Led Administration of Opioids post-surgery.
Background
Conventionally, nurses monitor pain levels and inform the Anaesthetist, who may not be available to manage pain in a timely manner. The initiative empowers nurses to administer pain relief based on indicated criteria.
Methods
The methodology involves applying Lean 6-sigma principles to train and empower nurses to administer bolus pain relief medications in the PACU area instead of the conventional pain management process.
Results
Enhanced patient care experience, improved patient turnaround time in PACU by 30 minutes, total time savings of 206 hours, manpower cost savings of S$12,066, and better pain control with no adverse outcomes.
Conclusion
The streamlined process effectively managed patient pain, enhancing comfort, reducing recovery time, and minimizing complications. The initiative aligns with strategic plans to prioritize quality, safety, and operational resilience.
Lessons Learnt
Nurses felt confident and trusted in their clinical work, and the process expedited care without compromising quality. Positive feedback included faster pain management and discharge processes.
Additional Information
The initiative involved training 18 nurses, with 411 NLAO cases performed uneventfully. The workflow was incorporated into policy for standardization, with yearly reaccreditation planned.
Keywords
Nurse-led, Opioids, PACU, Pain Management, Lean 6-sigma
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Khoo Teck Puat Hospital |
Platform(s) | Yishun Health One Improvement Festival |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Anaesthesiology |
Project Lead(s) | Lai F.W. |
Project Member(s) | P Sivamalar |
Connect with this contributor!
KTPH & YCH Innovation & Improvement (I&I) Office - i-i@ktph.com.sg
Project Attachment
773_KTPH_OIF 2025_Nurse-led IV Bolus Opioids Administration in Post Anaesthesia.pdf