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Improving communication of critical test results in a pediatric academic setting: key lessons in achieving and

Cheryl Jackson1, Maureen Macdonald, Michael Anderson

  • 1Quality and risk management, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Healthcare Quarterly (Toronto, Ont.)
|August 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study improved patient safety by enhancing critical test result communication. Implementing a strategic change framework led to better processes and outcomes in healthcare settings.

Area of Science:

  • Healthcare Management
  • Patient Safety
  • Clinical Communication

Background:

  • Adverse patient events, near misses, and accreditation requirements necessitated process improvements.
  • A multidisciplinary task force was formed to address critical test result communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To improve patient safety through effective communication of critical test results.
  • To develop and implement new processes for timely and reliable reporting of critical test results across laboratory disciplines.

Main Methods:

  • Applied the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's strategic change framework (will, ideas, execution).
  • Task force assessed current processes, identified alternatives, tested changes, and codified new hospital-wide policies.
  • Conducted post-implementation outcome audits to evaluate effectiveness.

Main Results:

  • Developed and implemented improved processes for critical test result communication.
  • Established a hospital-wide policy and procedure for managing critical test results.
  • Outcome audits demonstrated the effectiveness of the implemented changes.

Conclusions:

  • Collaborative, inter-professional teamwork is crucial for successful healthcare change.
  • Learning from failures and adopting higher-leverage strategies are key to sustaining improvements.
  • Continuous monitoring and vigilance are essential for policy compliance and ongoing patient safety.

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