One Flush Clean All
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
31 December 2024
Improve the efficiency and efficacy of cleaning reusable fine suction tubes by designing a device with a manifold for. The new flushing device enhanced cleaning efficacy while reducing labor effort.
Year Submitted: 2024
Published Date: 31 December 2024
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Design Thinking, Job Effectiveness, Time Saving, Manhour Saving
About this Content
Aims
Improve the efficiency and efficacy of cleaning reusable fine suction tubes by designing a device with a manifold for simultaneous flushing.
Background
Cleaning suction tubes manually was labor-intensive, requiring repetitive syringe flushing for 170-180 tubes daily. Smaller lumen sizes increased cleaning difficulty.
Methods
Developed a semi-automated flush manifold based on aquarium air splitter technology, allowing multiple suction tubes to be flushed concurrently.
Results
Flushing time significantly reduced, improving efficiency. The device successfully cleaned tube lumens and was adopted across multiple hospitals.
Conclusion
The new flushing device enhanced cleaning efficacy while reducing labor effort. Future refinements will explore further automation and broader hospital adoption.
Lessons Learnt
Semi-automated solutions improve efficiency, reduce staff strain, and optimize reprocessing workflows.
Keywords
Suction Tube Cleaning, Medical Device Sterilization, Process Efficiency, Automation, ENT Procedures
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Changi General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Medical ＆ Laboratory Technology, General Practice |
Project Lead(s) | Sherly Mariano |
Project Member(s) | Yvonne Lew |
Connect with this contributor!
Yvonne Lew - Yvonne_lew@cgh.com.sg