Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan PW (1), Shiu WY (1)
Affiliation :
Department of SOPD, Queen Mary Hospital
Introduction :
In Queen Mary Hospital, Generic Clinical Request System (GCRS) reminders would be delivered to patients who need to undergo blood tests or collect specimens (e.g., stool, urine, or sputum). The content of the patient information and instructions in GCRS reminders was essential for patients regarding their blood-taking appointments and specimen submissions. However, feedback from patients indicated confusion regarding the blood-taking instructions. Additionally, with the alignment of the smart clinic and the implementation of electronic elements, the Specialist Outpatient Department (SOPD) collaborated with laboratories, various specialties, and the Head Office Information Technology (HOIT) team to revise the patient information and instructions to update the GCRS reminders.
Objectives :
1. To standardize the instructions and patient information in the GCRS reminders, thereby establishing a clear workflow
2. To optimize patients’ experiences in blood-taking and specimen submission services provided at QMH.
Methodology :
A comprehensive revision of existing investigations was conducted according to test codes by relevant laboratories, and collaboration with various specialties was undertaken to standardize the special remarks and standard instructions for patient’s information in the GCRS reminder. Subsequently, the HOIT team was consulted to update the GCRS reminders based on the test and OPAS codes.
The implementation of special remarks for blood test/stool, urine, and sputum specimen codes was applied at the hospital level while the standard instructions on blood taking/specimen submission arrangement was based on different specialties’ operation practice.
Result & Outcome :
The updated GCRS reminders were implemented on January 6, 2025. This project aligned with patient-centric care and enhanced patient satisfaction in their outpatient consultation experience. The implementation of the updated GCRS reminders improved the clarity of workflow, conveying important instructions for specific blood tests, such as fasting, non-fasting, and special remarks for specimens. It streamlined the workflow and preparation for specimen collection. This project also advanced the smart initiative in SOPD daily operations by enabling patients to schedule blood-taking appointments via a scheduling kiosk, allowing them to reschedule flexibly through HA Go. Streamlined processes in blood-taking scheduling via the kiosk ensured timely turnaround for blood test/specimen results before the next follow-up.
Way-forward:
As Hong Kong is a multinational city, further collaboration with HOIT to explore the presentation of information in GCRS reminder with different languages in QR codes.
