Reducing Chemotherapy Waiting Times using a Design Thinking Approach
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2021
Reduce chemotherapy wait times to <45 minutes; ensure >75% of patients are treated within 1 hour. Human-centered collaboration ensured efficient chemo scheduling, improved care delivery, and enhanced workflow sustainability.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Design Thinking, Access To Care, Waiting Time, Turnaround Time
About this Content
Aims
Reduce chemotherapy wait times to <45 minutes; ensure >75% of patients are treated within 1 hour.
Background
Chemotherapy scheduling was complex due to silos in software and inter-team communication gaps.
Methods
Multi-disciplinary design thinking approach, value stream mapping, and ideation with iterative interventions.
Results
60% reduction in wait times (34 min); 91% treated within 1 hour; pre-made chemo increased to 92%; morning scheduling accuracy improved.
Conclusion
Human-centered collaboration ensured efficient chemo scheduling, improved care delivery, and enhanced workflow sustainability.
Lessons Learnt
A collaborative design thinking approach reduced wait times, improved processes, and enhanced job satisfaction.
Keywords
Design Thinking, Value Stream Mapping, Quality Improvement, Waiting Time, Chemotherapy, Multi-Disciplinary Team, Outpatient Care
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | University Cancer Institute Singapore |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical, Pharmacy, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Oncology, Pharmacology, Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Jen Wei Ying |
Project Member(s) | Chee Yen Lin |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Jen Wei Ying - wei_ying_jen@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
96_NUCI_NHIP_2021_Reducing_Chemotherapy_Waiting_Times_using_Design_Thinking_COMBINED.pdf