Authors (including presenting author) :
HO KWE(1), CHEUNG WC(1), CHAU MY(1), LAW YKB(1), WONG CL(1), TSANG WY(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicine & Geriatrics ,United Christian Hospital
Introduction :
In daily ward operations, nurses deliver quality care based on the latest clinical guidelines. Traditionally, printed guidelines require regular manual updates and are stored in document files, making them difficult to access efficiently. This practice potentially impacts work efficiency and also contributes to excessive paper usage, which is not environmentally sustainable. To address these challenges, a QR code system for bedside procedures was implemented, providing instant access to up-to-date clinical guidelines at the point of care. This system aims to enhance patient safety by ensuring nurses have stepwise, standardized nursing care references based on hospital and corporate guidelines.
Objectives :
1. To enhance patient safety by providing nurses with instant, standardized access to up-to-date clinical guidelines at the point of care. 2. To promote a paperless working environment by reducing reliance on printed guidelines.
Methodology :
A QR code system was developed and implemented for the five common bedside procedures in the Medical and Geriatric Ward: - Chest drain insertion - Thoracentesis - Abdominal paracentesis - Lumbar puncture -Bone marrow aspiration Clinical guidelines related to these procedures were sourced from the Hospital Authority Head Office (HAHO) and reviewed by the UCH Ward P2DM EBP working group. This group consists of the Ward Manager (WM), an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN), and a senior Registered Nurse (RN). The working group created QR codes linked to updated guidelines, outlining: Required medical equipment and pre- and post-nursing care. The QR codes were affixed to the procedure trolley for easy accessibility during bedside care. A questionnaire was designed with 7 questions to evaluate the outcome and result. Questions regarding difficulty, speed of accessing Guidelines; ease of sending QR codes; impact on patient safety, and satisfaction with the QR code system were asked.
Result & Outcome :
From October 2024 to November 2024, the QR system was reviewed. It was found that post procedure specimens were sent timely and accurately with correct container. Patient safety was enhanced by 100% compliance of post procedure nursing cares and management. Moreover, a survey with 18 nurses regarding the implementation of a QR code system for accessing clinical guidelines, the following insights were gathered: The implementation of the QR code system has had a positive impact on clinical practice. Specifically, 77.7% of nurses reported that the QR code system significantly accelerated their access to clinical guidelines. Additionally, an impressive 88.9% of respondents found the QR code scanning process to be user-friendly and efficient. Most notably, 100% of the nurses believed that the QR code system has enhanced patient safety within their practice, highlighting its effectiveness in improving overall care. QR code systems play a vital role in improving the accessibility of clinical guidelines, thereby contributing to enhanced patient safety.
