Quality Improvement in Lost Specimen Metric through Process Improvements and Automated Process Optimisation: A Retrospective Analysis
31 December 2021
Project Categories
Care Process & Redesign
Technology
Platform
Singapore Healthcare Management Congress
Cluster
National University Health System
To evaluate proactive quality improvement (QI) measures and automate processes to reduce lost specimen rates. Evidence-informed QI measures reduce pre-analytical errors and improve lab performance.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Technology, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Job Effectiveness, Digitalisation, Automation
About this Content
Aims
To evaluate proactive quality improvement (QI) measures and automate processes to reduce lost specimen rates.
Background
Lost specimens contribute significantly to pre-analytical laboratory errors.
Methods
Retrospective analysis using Six-Sigma tools, including root cause analysis and systematic intervention.
Results
Lost specimen rates reduced, Six-Sigma levels improved (5.3-5.9), with a focus on human behavior interventions.
Conclusion
Evidence-informed QI measures reduce pre-analytical errors and improve lab performance.
Lessons Learnt
Targeted human behavior interventions are effective, alongside automation, for sustaining process improvements.
Additional Information
SHM 2021 Shortlisted Project in Operations Category.
Keywords
Quality Improvement, Six-Sigma, Laboratory
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Doctor Anywhere, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | Singapore Healthcare Management Congress |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical, Allied Health |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Medical ＆ Laboratory Technology, Clinical Research |
Project Lead(s) | Amarasinghe Arachchige Don Nalin Samandika Saparamadu |
Project Member(s) | En Xin Foo |
Connect with this contributor!
Amarasinghe A.D.N.S - singaporehealthcaremanagement@singhealth.com.sg