Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong KTY(2), Chang KK(3), Chan HK(4), Chan WY(2), Chow CM(2), Cheung CY(3), Cheung SN(1), Chung KY(3), Fu KS(1), Hong KY(1), Lam I(4), Law YK(1), Lee MH(1), Mo FP(4), Pang SY(1234), Wong SW(1), Yu CW(4)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Surgery , Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (2)Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology , Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (3)Department of Combined Endoscopy Unit, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (4)Department of Operating Theatre, Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Keyword 1: :
Blood Thinner Management
Keyword 2: :
Medication Safety
Keyword 3: :
Surgical Protocols
Keyword 4: :
Patient Education
Keyword 5: :
Workflow Improvement
Keyword 6: :
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
Introduction :
Medication safety in blood thinner management presents challenges in surgical settings. A working group was convened to evaluate and enhance protocols for blood thinner use across various wards to streamline workflows and improve patient education.
Objectives :
This project aims to: Review and endorse new workflows for blood thinner management. Implement standardized educational materials for patients and nursing staff. Evaluate the effectiveness of these workflows through surveys and compliance rates.
Methodology :
1st Phrase: Workflow Review and Educational Materials Development Workflow Review: Assess current practices to enhance blood thinner workflows during working group meetings, followed by endorsement by the department head. Educational Material Development: Create patient leaflets and informational posters. Reminder Tools: Develop a blood thinner reminder stamp and alert card for patients and nursing staff about medication timelines. Educational Video: Create a video promoting the functionalities of the HA Go app related to medication management to empower self-care. Staff Survey: Conduct a pre-staff survey to gather feedback on program efficiency. 2nd Phrase: Data Collection and Evaluation of New Workflow Effectiveness Data Collection: Track patient adherence to withholding blood thinners before procedures using structured forms and retrieve monthly data from OT and colonoscopy lists. Evaluate Workflow Effectiveness: Administer surveys to assess patient understanding and evaluate workflow efficacy, gathering suggestions for improvements.
Result & Outcome :
The pre-staff survey before the CQI program initiation revealed several key outcomes: Increased Clarity: Many nursing staff reported a lack of clarity in blood thinner management, highlighting the need for clearer workflows. Communication Improvements: 20% of staff faced challenges in communicating blood thinner management to patients. Staff Confidence Levels: Confidence varied, with 16% "Very confident" and 80% either "Somewhat confident" or "Not confident," indicating a need for targeted training. Engagement with Educational Materials: The absence of standardized materials contributed to patient misunderstanding. Workflow Effectiveness: 76% believed a structured workflow could improve alertness. Resources Utilization: 84% relied on hospital guidelines, while 52% sought additional online resources. Workflow Necessity: 96% agreed on the need for a comprehensive workflow in blood thinner management. Educational Resource Gaps: 80% noted a lack of educational materials for patients, yet 92% believed that leaflets could enhance understanding. Suggestions for Improvement: Recommendations included increased patient education initiatives and further training opportunities.
