To Reduce to 0% Skin Itchiness Experienced by Orthopaedic Patient with Upper/Lower Backslab
9 October 2025
Project Categories
Care Process & Redesign
Platform
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
Cluster
Private Hospital
To eliminate skin itchiness in backslab patients and improve patient comfort and outcomes. The intervention successfully eliminated skin itchiness in backslab patients, improving patient comfort and outcomes.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 09 October 2025
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Cost Saving
About this Content
Aims
To eliminate skin itchiness in backslab patients and improve patient comfort and outcomes.
Background
From January to December 2023, 90% of adult orthopedic patients with upper/lower limb backslabs experienced discomfort and persistent skin itchiness, affecting sleep quality and daily activities.
Methods
Implemented a Non-Sting Barrier Film (NSBF) dressing prior to backslab application to reduce skin itchiness. Data was collected from January to December 2023, and a review of the approach using PDSA cycles 1 & 2 occurred in January and February 2024.
Results
From March 2024, 0% of patients reported skin itchiness while on backslabs. Theintervention was cost-effective, improved patient experience, and received positive feedback from doctors and nurses.
Conclusion
The intervention successfully eliminated skin itchiness in backslab patients, improving patient comfort and outcomes.
Lessons Learnt
Using a stockinette before applying the backslab helps prevent the barrier film dressing from sticking to the Orthoban, making its removal easier during follow-ups.
Keywords
skin itchiness, backslab, patient comfort, Non-Sting Barrier Film
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | Private Hospital |
Organization(s) Involved | Gleneagles Hospital Singapore |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Orthopaedics |
Project Lead(s) | Sadiah Othman |
Project Member(s) | Lim Yi-Jia |
Connect with this contributor!
Sadiah Othman - Sadiah.othman@gleneagles.com.sg