Authors (including presenting author) :
Choi YH(1), Yuen WH(1), Woo CCK(1), Lam CS(1), Yip YF(1), Lee CK(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction :
During hospitalization period, patients may undergo various investigations according to their needs and health problems. However, the results of these investigations may take time to be reviewed. The formal report of laboratory results and investigation findings may be reviewed after patient discharge or after patient transfer out to other departments. The prompt and appropriate management of these laboratory results and investigation findings is important to ensure safe and quality health care management without delay. A standardized logbook and workflow was designed in all M&G wards in POH to facilitate timely review and follow-up action of the laboratory results and investigation findings.
Objectives :
1)To provide timely screening and appropriate follow-up action for discharged patients with abnormal reports through the implementation of the agreed workflow among doctors and nurses
2)Zero delay on follow up action for patients already discharged but with adverse laboratory and investigation reports, whom were discharged or transferred out before reports were available
Methodology :
1) A logbook is used for record of laboratory results and investigation of patients, who have been discharged or transferred out, with findings that require follow-up action
2) Ward routine is assigned for Shift-in-charge to responsible for informing the corresponding medical officer to take follow-up action within 7 days after reception of the reports
3) For medical officers who are not available, their corresponding senior medical officers or consultants will be informed for taking follow-up action for the reports
4) Clearer documentation are done
Result & Outcome :
1) ALL reports that required follow-up action received from 2016-2018 were completed within 7 days of reception of the reports.
2) Zero incident is reported on delay handling Conclusion:
The prompt and appropriate management of laboratory results and investigation findings of discharged patients is of high importance. It effectively facilitated timely review of laboratory and investigation reports with the use of standardized logbook and workflow in wards. All reports of discharged patients that required follow-up action were completed within 7 days of report reception. The handover and documentation was also improved.
Co-location with:
