Precipitating Significant Reductions in Turnaround Time for Hearing Tests – A Workflow Overhaul
Care Process & Redesign
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2020
Increase the percentage of patients with turnaround time (TAT) for hearing tests < 1 hour from 50% to 75%. The new workflow significantly reduced TAT, improved patient satisfaction, and increased efficiency.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Access To Care, Turnaround Time, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Waiting Time
About this Content
Aims
Increase the percentage of patients with turnaround time (TAT) for hearing tests < 1 hour from 50% to 75%.
Background
Long wait times for hearing tests caused inefficiencies in ENT and audiology workflows.
Methods
Implemented Audio-on-Arrival (AOA) system, improved pre-booking processes, and revised workflows for clinic coordination.
Results
TAT improved to 75% within 1 hour by Feb 2020; waiting time in the audio queue decreased by 70%.
Conclusion
The new workflow significantly reduced TAT, improved patient satisfaction, and increased efficiency.
Lessons Learnt
Buy-in from stakeholders and clear communication drove success; staff alignment is crucial.
Keywords
Hearing Tests, Audiology Workflow, Turnaround Time, AOA, Patient Satisfaction
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Healthcare Administration, Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Otolaryngology |
Project Lead(s) | Remy New |
Project Member(s) | Rene Soon |
Connect with this contributor!
Remy New - shi_you_new@nuhs.edu.sg