Port-A-Cath Workflow Improvement
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2020
Reduce Port-A-Cath (PAC) early complication rates within 30 days post-insertion for Haematology-Oncology patients. PAC workflow improvements significantly reduced complications, saving costs and enhancing timely cancer treatment.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Clinical Practice Improvement, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Productivity, Cost Saving
About this Content
Aims
Reduce Port-A-Cath (PAC) early complication rates within 30 days post-insertion for Haematology-Oncology patients.
Background
An audit of 56 PAC insertions revealed a complication rate of 15.6%, higher than published rates of 0.1%-7.6%.
Methods
Used Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA), process mapping, and workflow redesign; implemented standardized techniques and PAC care protocols.
Results
Reduced complication rates from 15.6% to 1.3%; achieved significant cost savings of $1,715 per episode and improved patient safety.
Conclusion
PAC workflow improvements significantly reduced complications, saving costs and enhancing timely cancer treatment.
Lessons Learnt
Stakeholder engagement, process analysis, and targeted interventions ensured sustainability and rapid improvements.
Additional Information
Sustained results through stakeholder communication, training, and continuous monitoring.
Keywords
PAC Workflow, Process Mapping, HFMEA, Oncology, Patient Safety, Cost Savings
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital, National University Cancer Institute Singapore |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Oncology, Haematology |
Project Lead(s) | Ong Shao Jin |
Project Member(s) | Samuel Ow |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Ong Shao Jin - shao_jin_ong@nuhs.edu.sg