Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Ma FK, Chan PY, Lee LM, Wong N, Tsoi YK
Affiliation :
G&R, Department of Medicine, Haven of Hope Hospital
Introduction :
There was a risk of delayed sending out of specimens to the laboratory due to the negligence of specimen pick-up by the operation assistant. Typically, the phlebotomists or ward staff place the specimens in the collection box at the designated collection site in the ward's Dirty Utility area. The operation assistant is responsible for collecting specimens from the collection site at regular intervals on weekdays and Saturdays. However, there have been instances where the operation assistant has missed checking the wards or collecting the specimens. Ward staff may be unaware of delayed specimens in the collection site. The delay in specimen transportation may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, and in severe cases, potentially result in life-threatening delays.
Objectives :
1. Prompt ward staff to regularly check the collection site 2. Reduce the risk of delayed specimen transportation 3. Enhance communication between ward staff, phlebotomists, and Operation Assistants regarding specimen transportation
Methodology :
1. The alert lights were installed at both the collection sites and under the Electronic Bed Panel, serving as a reminder for both the operation assistant and ward staff to take note of any specimens in the collection site. When ward staff or phlebotomists place the specimen in the collection sites, they activate the alert lights. Once the operation assistant has collected the specimen, they deactivate the alert light to indicate that the specimen has been collected. 2. The timed alarm was set up using the Electronic Bed Panel, based on the scheduled specimen collection time. When ward staff hear the alarm, they can quickly check the collection sites or the alert light under the Electronic Bed Panel to prevent the risk of any delays in specimen collection or leaving specimens overnight in the ward.
Result & Outcome :
Improve the timely transportation of specimens from wards to the laboratory, thereby reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. No incidents have been reported regarding delayed specimen transportation.
