‘Zero expired medicines supplied to inpatients’ project
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National University Health System
31 December 2020
Review and close gaps in medication expiry monitoring to achieve zero expired medicines supplied to inpatients. Successful process redesign ensured zero expired medicines, improved staff compliance, and enhanced patient safety.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign, Operational Management, Inventory Management, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Risk Management, Preventive Approach, Productivity, Cost Saving
About this Content
Aims
Review and close gaps in medication expiry monitoring to achieve zero expired medicines supplied to inpatients.
Background
Expired medicines supplied to patients compromise safety, satisfaction, and productivity, prompting a process review.
Methods
Mapped expiry processes, identified root causes with Fishbone Diagram, and applied PDSA cycles; conducted audits and supervision.
Results
Achieved zero expired medicines supplied monthly; projected cost avoidance of $6,390 to $47,070 per annum.
Conclusion
Successful process redesign ensured zero expired medicines, improved staff compliance, and enhanced patient safety.
Lessons Learnt
Combining subject matter expertise and improvement science is critical; staff ownership and motivation drove sustained changes.
Additional Information
Scalable QI model for managing inventory safety across departments.
Keywords
Expiry Monitoring, Quality Improvement, Pharmacy, Medication Safety, Cost Avoidance, PDSA
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Pharmacology |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Yuen Ming |
Project Member(s) | Stacey Ng Hui Qi |
Connect with this contributor!
Tan Yuen Ming - yuen_ming_tan@nuhs.edu.sg
Project Attachment
45_NTFGH_NHIP_2020_Zero_expired_medicines_supplied_to_inpatients_project_combined.pdf