Authors (including presenting author) :
Tang CL, Yeung PS, Wong KY
Affiliation :
Department of Surgery, United Christian Hospital
Keyword 1: :
Nursing Care Procedure
Keyword 2: :
Equipment Preparation and Standardization
Introduction :
In clinical environments, various nursing care procedures require specific items preparation. Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) assist nurses in the item preparation; however, new PCAs often have difficulties in locating necessary items, which can result in delays and potential omissions.
Objectives :
To improve the efficiency and accuracy of item preparation for nursing care procedures by implementing a cue card system and standardizing the items in nursing care procedure trolley or box.
Methodology :
1.Common nursing care procedures and easily omitted items for the procedure were identified through direct observation in UCH Surgical ward 8A, informing the development of cue cards. 2.Feedback and preferences from ward nurses and PCAs were collected in January 2025 to determine the nursing care procedures and items to be included on the cue cards. Items to be included also referenced hospital guidelines (where available). 3.Four nursing care procedures, including nasogastric (NG) tube feeding and mouth care, bladder irrigation, sputum suction, and last office, were selected in early February 2025 for the pilot study. 4.All needed items for each nursing care procedure were shown on a A4 size cue card. The cue cards feature clear photographs, names and quantity of required items. 5.Briefing sessions on using the cue cards were conducted in mid-February 2025. The cue cards have been in use since March 2025, guiding both PCAs and nurses. 6.These cue cards are stored in a folder in ward and have also been uploaded to the ward's shared folder on the computer for easy access. 7.The items of selected nursing care procedure trolleys or boxes have been standardized to include consistent items for each procedure.
Result & Outcome :
Early feedback from nurses and PCAs indicates that the cue cards and standardization significantly reduce preparation time and enhance the accuracy and confidence among new staff. Observations show a decrease in missing items and improved workflow, contributing to more efficient patient care. Way forward: 1. To design cue cards for more nurse care procedure. 2. To promote to other surgical wards. Conclusion: This pilot project demonstrates the effectiveness of implementing cue cards and standardizing equipment in nursing care procedures. By providing clear guidance and consistency, it supports PCAs in clinical settings, thereby enhancing overall patient care efficiency.
