Authors (including presenting author) :
Lee SY (1), Chan KY (2), Man FK (1), Tang WS (1) (5)
Affiliation :
(1) Quality and Safety Division, (2) Central Administration, (3) Department of Medicine and Geriatric, Shatin Hospital
Introduction :
Specimen collection and delivery is a routine task for portering staff in Shatin Hospital. In the last year, LEAN approach was adopted to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of specimen delivery. The workflow had been implemented for a year. The specimen collection and delivery process was highly reduced in collection time. However, episodes of missing specimen and delay sent out of specimen were noted. So, with the modified specimen collection cart and cabinet, the workflow of specimen collection and delivery was amended this year and was launched in June 2018.
Objectives :
1) To reduce the unnecessary workload of porter 2) To eliminate missing specimen or delayed specimen delivery 3) To improve and establish a new workflow on handling of specimens from clinical area to laboratory aiming to reduce redundant processes and man hours.
Methodology :
LEAN approach aims to provide the best quality with the lowest cost, and in the efficient manner, through eliminating waste (Krafick, 1988). LEAN approach was adopted in minimizing the specimen collection and delivery time. Fish bone analysis was utilized to identify the root causes for the long lean time of the specimen delivery procedures. Specimens located in various cabinets with different categories posed the risk of delayed specimen collection and missing specimen. Therefore, a re-modified specimen handling procedure was established. The steps of specimen collection were simplified. It reduced unnecessary tasks performed by porter and decreased the time of specimen delivery. Colored boxes exchange method and modern specimen collection trolleys were used. All specimen collection boxes in the cabinet were in pink color. Specimens were located in the specimen box inside the specimen cabinet. The pink specimen collection boxes would be put into the specimen collection cart. Green collection boxes would be replaced into the specimen cabinet afterwards. The handling process of specimen by porter was reduced and eliminated.
Result & Outcome :
The lead time of the specimen delivery has been reduced from 45 minutes 30 seconds to 30 minutes 18 seconds. A marked decrease of the incident of delay and missing specimen delivery represented from 10 to 2 from June to Dec 2018. The workflow efficiency in specimen delivery was successfully achieved.
Co-location with:
