Improving on-time start for iMRI neurosurgeries.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the Singapore General Hospital, intraoperative MRI (iMRI) neurosurgery is a multi-disciplinary process that involves staff from multiple departments. However, a baseline analysis showed that only 10.5% of iMRI neurosurgeries start on time, resulting in unnecessary waste of resources. The project aimed to improve the percentage of on-time start iMRI neurosurgeries to 100% within nine months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical Practice Improvement methodology was used. The project involves four phases Diagnostic, in which a baseline analysis is conducted; Intervention, in which problem areas are identified; Implementation, in which potential solutions are implemented; and sustaining, in which strategies to sustain gains are discussed. RESULTS: The percentage of on-time start cases gradually increased to 100% in eight months, and was sustained above 85% in the following five months. CONCLUSION: This project serves as a successful demonstration of how quality improvement can be effected in a complex, multidisciplinary workflow, which is the norm for many hospital procedures.