Authors (including presenting author) :
So CM(1), Lau MS(1), Li CY(1), Ng KY(1), Wong TS(1), Li KC(1), Ma LF(1), Lo YC (1), Fung CK (1), Sin MW (1), Lo WC (1), Dr. Szeto L (1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Anaesthesia & Operating Theatre Services, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
The Mobile Surgical Instrument Tracking System (mSITS) was first launched at Tseung Kwan O Hospital in 2021, with recent enhancements aimed at improving the ad-hoc request functionality. However, a significant reliance on phone calls for instrument requests has been observed, with 91.8% of staff using calls to communicate their needs. Operating theatre (OT) nurses favored phone calls over the system due to barriers such as unfamiliarity with the system, uncertainty in terminology, and perceived time constraints. Acknowledging the current inefficiencies, a comprehensive approach to streamline instrument processing is necessary. The aim of this program is to optimize user accessibility in the ad-hoc request function of mSITS, ultimately enhancing patient safety and operational effectiveness.
Objectives :
The objectives of this project were to enhance user competency in utilizing the ad-hoc request feature and to facilitate its use through the implementation of a tailor-made quick reference searching guide. A pre-implementation survey of 57 respondents revealed that 40.4% of staff had never used the ad-hoc request function. The program sought to address these challenges by providing comprehensive training and resources.
Methodology :
A trial was conducted across eight operating theatres, focusing on surgical specialty items over a four-week period. Pre- and post-tests were administered to evaluate staff confidence levels, searching skills, familiarity with the mSITS library function, and the time required for ordering instruments. Educational workshops were provided for all staff, featuring item name modifications, standardized categorization, and a well-designed quick reference guide. The response rate for the surveys was 90%. During the implementation period, staff received and provided feedback on the cue card and the ad-hoc request function, which will be used for ongoing evaluation and improvement.
Result & Outcome :
Post-implementation results demonstrated significant improvements in user competency and system utilization. The mean score for confidence levels increased from 3.16 to 7.32. Correctness in searching skills surged from 30.8% to 90.5%, and familiarity with the mSITS's new function - library rose from 40.4% to 86%. Additionally, 79% of participants were able to make an ad-hoc request within one minute, compared to 0% prior to implementation. The time taken for searching instruments decreased dramatically from an average of 147.6 seconds to just 32.07 seconds. Overall, the usage of mSITS increased by 20% following the enhancements. All participants expressed satisfaction with the educational workshops. These findings underscore a significant increase in both efficiency and user satisfaction among participants. Moving forward, the program will expand to include other specialties and further tailor the reference cards to enhance usability.
