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Creative Thinking Speeds Up Lab
After it rejiggered its workflows, this lab team cut wait times dramatically.
- Patients waiting an hour at the lab is unacceptable.
- Shifting schedules to accommodate more patients
One on One Improves Scores
Service scores soared after this lab team began a "one-on-one" style of service with technicians handling patients from check-in to blood draw.
- Giving patients more personal care improves service.
- Having lab technicians stay with patient from check in to blood draw
New Needles Bruise Less, Please Patients
Complaints about bruising dropped after this lab team took action to identify the root of the problem and get better supplies.
- A gentle touch shows patients we care and reduces their anxiety.
- Switching to a different needle provider
Ensure On-Time Blood Labs
This team's ability to get results back to doctors quickly improved when it tweaked workflows and schedules.
- Delivering blood results on time provides better patient care.
- Having lab assistants round to pick up blood samples earlier
Cut Transport Turnaround Times
This Transport team got patients discharged or to their next destination quicker when they began keeping gurneys where they were needed, cleaned and ready for the next patient.
- Reducing transport times improves inpatient care, service and efficiency.
- Placing equipment where needed
Fast Pass Reduces Unneeded Tests
The lab team saved time and money when it identified which tests oncology patients actually needed, they created a pass to get patients to the front of the line, and fast-tracked the processing of tests.
- Getting the patient through the lab more quickly gets them diagnosed sooner.
- A "golden ticket" fast track system ensured patients got the tests they needed
Speeding Up Door-to-Door Trips
Transport time dropped when this team coordinated with other departments, ensured labs and meds were ready and made other improvements.
- A long wheelchair ride is inefficient and poor patient service.
- Getting better chairs improved transport times
Work Together to Process Tests
By coordinating with other departments, like emergency and transportation, the diagnostic imagining department could better serve patients at a brisk and efficient pace.
- More timely results help patients get timely care.
- Communicating with nurses and staff before a patient is moved for a test
Go Blue to Green and Save
A Med/Surg unit set up designated bins in operating rooms for blue wrap recycling and educated staff about proper use, helping save money and protect our earth.
- Recycling blue wrap saves money and helps the environment.
- Placing blue wrap recycling container in operating rooms
Mistakes Cost Money
Admitting team increased training to ensure accuracy of data, created a reference tool for self-review, and conducted self-audits to catch mistakes.
- Hospitals need to file correct Medicare forms for proper reimbursement.
- Training and teamwork can improve the accuracy of Medicare forms
Print Less, Save More
Printing the short version of reports can provide greater service to patients.
- Shorter reports distill information down to the need-to-know.
- One-page summaries are better than multi-page reports for staff satisfaction
Clean Floors and Save Money
An efficient floor-cleaning machine improves the workplace and saves money.
- Clean floors make the workplace safer, healthier and improve efficiency.
- Using a newer floor-cleaning machine reduced injury risk and consumed less water