Streamlining Discharge Through Nurse Led Dispensing
Care Process & Redesign
Workforce Transformation
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
10 October 2025
The aim of the project is to streamline the discharge process for endoscopy and day surgery patients by implementing. The NLD model successfully transformed the medication dispensing process, empowering nurses and improving patient care.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 10 October 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Workflow Redesign, Time Saving, Cost Saving, Quality Improvement, Productivity, Value Based Care, Discharge Planning, Workforce Transformation, Job Redesign, Upskilling
About this Content
Aims
The aim of the project is to streamline the discharge process for endoscopy and day surgery patients by implementing Nurse-Led Dispensing (NLD) to reduce unnecessary steps and wait times, thereby improving patient satisfaction and outcomes.
Background
Existing practices for medication dispensing at Woodlands Health involved centralized and bedside dispensing, which were inefficient for day/emergency surgeries and endoscopies. These methods required patients to travel to the pharmacy or wait for pharmacy staff,causing delays.
Methods
The project involved engaging nursing and physician leaders to empower nurses to dispense medications, developing training materials, and establishing workflows. A 'train the trainer' model was implemented to ensure sustainability. The project started in May2024, with data collected until December 2024.
Results
The introduction of nurse-led dispensing resulted in an average time savings of 20 minutesper patient, with 70% of patients benefiting from the new process. This led to significant manpower cost savings and improved patient care by reducing the need for centralized dispensing.
Conclusion
The NLD model successfully transformed the medication dispensing process, empowering nurses and improving patient care. The project demonstrated significant time and cost savings, with plans for further expansion.
Lessons Learnt
Early and ongoing collaboration with stakeholders is crucial. The 'train the trainer' model was effective in empowering staff. Simplifying workflows enhances compliance and efficiency. Anticipating changes in prescribing practices could have improved the project's reach.
Keywords
Nurse-led dispensing, patient satisfaction, medication counselling
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Woodlands Health |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Pharmacy, Nursing, Healthcare Administration |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Healthcare Administrators |
Project Lead(s) | Michelle Bay |
Project Member(s) | Gan Kai Ling |
Connect with this contributor!
Michelle Bay - Michelle_bay@wh.com.sg
Project Attachment
841_WH_NHIP_2025_Streamlining_Discharge_Through_Nurse_Led_Dispensing.pdf