Reducing unnecessary radiographic investigation during 11pm to 6 am
Care Process & Redesign
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2020
To reduce unnecessary midnight radiographic investigations from 76% to 30% in Orthopaedic surgery within 3 months. Reduced healthcare costs and enhanced patient safety by avoiding unnecessary radiographs performed at midnight, without affecting.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Productivity, Manhour Saving, Cost Saving, Value Based Care, Safe Care
About this Content
Aims
To reduce unnecessary midnight radiographic investigations from 76% to 30% in Orthopaedic surgery within 3 months.
Background
Midnight X-rays were unnecessarily performed, causing extra costs, safety issues, and straining manpower. 76% of 147 radiographs in 2018 were avoidable.
Methods
Establish protocols, improve communication, and educate junior doctors and nurses.
Results
Reduced unnecessary midnight X-rays from 9.3/month to 1/month, resulting in annual cost savings of $14,940. Improved patient safety and resource optimization.
Conclusion
Reduced healthcare costs and enhanced patient safety by avoiding unnecessary radiographs performed at midnight, without affecting patient care quality.
Lessons Learnt
Educate staff on protocols, maintain communication through emails, and integrate protocols in orientations.
Keywords
Process Improvement, Safety, Productivity, Workflow Improvement, Cost Savings, Radiology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Quality Improvement
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Radiology, Orthopaedics, Surgery |
Project Lead(s) | Wang Ming |
Project Member(s) | Patrick Lim |
Connect with this contributor!
Wang Ming - ming_wang@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
93_NUH_NUH_QI_2020_Reducing_unnecessary_radiographic_investigation_combine.pdf