“Pop and Squeeze” pathway for elective surgical drainage of abscesses
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
SingHealth
31 December 2022
To create a fast-track pathway for surgical drainage of abscesses to reduce wait times and inpatient bed use. Streamlined workflow enhances efficiency, patient satisfaction, and resource utilization; scalable across surgical disciplines.
Year Submitted: 2022
Published Date: 31 December 2022
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Time Saving, Cost Saving, Clinical Practice Improvement, Value Based Care, Patient Satisfaction, Access To Care, Waiting Time, Bed Occupancy Rate, Discharge Planning
About this Content
Aims
To create a fast-track pathway for surgical drainage of abscesses to reduce wait times and inpatient bed use.
Background
Hospital crowding and lengthy waiting times for abscess surgeries were common, exacerbated during COVID-19.
Methods
Developed a workflow involving early patient identification, next-day surgery scheduling, and post-op discharge.
Results
Reduced average waiting time for surgery from 6h 30m to 1h 48m; achieved significant cost savings of $33,976 annually.
Conclusion
Streamlined workflow enhances efficiency, patient satisfaction, and resource utilization; scalable across surgical disciplines.
Lessons Learnt
Engaging stakeholders early and continuous feedback are critical for workflow innovation and success.
Additional Information
SHM 2022 Quality Improvement Award.
Keywords
Abscess Surgery, Workflow Redesign, Fast Track Surgery
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | SingHealth |
Organization(s) Involved | Sengkang General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Anaesthesiology, Surgery, Otolaryngology, Orthopaedics |
Project Lead(s) | Chua Hui Wen |
Project Member(s) | Teo Li-Ming |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr. Chua Hui Wen - chua.hui.wen@singhealth.com.sg
Project Attachment
C_669_SKH_NHIP_2022_Pop_and_Squeeze_pathway_for_elective_surgical_drainage_of_abscesses.pdf