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 I (Projects aiming to improve efficiency and effectiveness of care delivery to meet international standards)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Hung SK(1), Yuen MY(1), Lee SM(1), Mok YT(1), Law NW (1), Fung MY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital
Introduction :
This abstract details an electronic handover initiative for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) cases in the operating theatre (OT) in response to challenges associated with traditional paper-based methods. The motivation stems from the limitations of manual documentation, necessitating a sophisticated approach in managing crucial patient information during ECMO transitions.
Objectives :
1. Enhance patient safety through improved communication and minimised errors during ECMO transitions. 2. Optimise efficiency via streamlined information transfer, reduced paperwork and faster transition times. 3. Address contemporary healthcare challenges by aligning with smart hospital initiatives and adopting advanced electronic platforms for ECMO case management.
Methodology :
The electronic handover includes a thorough safety checklist, immediate presentation of patient vital signs and laboratory results, a cannulation guide, and automated ECMO flow calculation. It was strategically implemented in two scenarios: (1) receiving ECMO cases from the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and (2) transferring ECMO cases from the OT to the PICU. Surveys distributed to perfusionists involved in ECMO transitions examined user experience, perceived improvements, and overall impact of the new electronic handover initiative.
Result & Outcome :
Results: 1. Enhancing Patient Safety: Clear consensus exists on enhancements in effectively communicating critical patient data during ECMO transitions after implementing the electronic handover initiative. The ability to precisely transmit pertinent patient details including instant vital signs and ECMO flow requirements enhances patient safety compared to previous paper-based approaches. 2. Improving Efficiency: The survey indicates the electronic system significantly improves efficiency through streamlined exchange of information, reduction of paperwork, and faster patient transition times nearing 30% shorter compared to written documentation methods. 3. Addressing Contemporary Healthcare Challenges: Strong agreement exists on the electronic platform aligning exceptionally well with and meaningfully contributing to the current smart hospital initiative. Transitioning to technological advancements for managing ECMO cases integrates excellently with existing hospital digital infrastructure.
Conclusion: The implementation of the meticulously designed electronic handover initiative for ECMO case transitions emerges as a paradigm of excellence, showcasing tangible enhancements in both patient safety and operational efficiency. Further assessment over an extended period is recommended to track sustained improvements and identify potential fine-tuning to maximise the safety and efficiency benefits of this electronic system across ECMO case transitions.
