Authors (including presenting author) :
Siu SYL(1), Wong WKV(1), Yu YS(1), Chen JJ(1), Tam WS(1), Wan CM(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Operating Theatre, Ophthalmology, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
With the predicable ageing population, there is an increasing demand of cataract operation. Cataract surgery aims to remove the cloudy lens and replace with an implant called intraocular lens (IOL). TWEH Ophthalmic Surgical Team performs more than 2,500 cataract operations per year. Operating Theatre has kept more than 600 IOLs consignment stock. IOL recording and storage management becomes one of the major duties for nurses. Previously, nurses used traditional manual methods to manage IOL stock taking and papers & forms recording. However, these methods were found clumsy, laborious and increasing staffs’ workload as they required lots of time, effort and papers, not to speak of a relatively high error-prone during manual counting.
A smart idea of electronic IOL(e-IOL) checking and stock catalogue system was therefore introduced to streamline the workflow, facilitate management process, and thus helps to achieve ‘smart hospital’ with the use of electronic devices.
Objectives :
To enhance efficiency, accuracy and to achieve paperless in IOL store management.
Methodology :
A smart electronic program for e-IOL system was designed and paired with a barcode scanner for easy record of stock. An electronic stock catalogue was implemented to replace traditional paper stock catalogue by uploading it onto HA Drive and creating a QR code link for quick accessing of IOL stock via mobile devices. Lastly, staff satisfaction survey was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the system.
Result & Outcome :
The e-IOL system has earned 100% positive feedback from staffs after months of implementation. As reflected by the survey, the system is more convenient to use and effective in managing IOL stock. It clears human errors and shortens process of stock management, thus creating a high staff satisfaction rate. The man-hour for daily stock in, stock out and weekly inventory checking time had been significantly reduced by >60 % (~8 hours/ week reduces to 3 hours/ week), so nurses can be released to concentrate on providing clinical patient care.
In addition, introduction of QR code for stock access and uploading via HA Drive is beneficial in raising the efficiency. Also, it is environmentally friendly and helps to achieve a paperless environment by reducing use of paper. To conclude, the e-IOL system is a success in achieving more effective and smarter IOL management.
