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[Applying healthcare failure mode and effect analysis to improve the surgical specimen transportation process and

Pao-Hsueh Hu1, Hsiao-Chen Hu2, Hui-Ju Huang2

  • 1Operating Room, Cathay General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC.

Hu Li Za Zhi the Journal of Nursing
|March 29, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Implementing a new process using healthcare failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) significantly reduced surgical specimen rejection rates from 0.86% to 0.03%. This enhanced patient safety and improved specimen tracking.

Area of Science:

  • Pathology
  • Healthcare Quality Improvement
  • Risk Management

Context:

  • Surgical pathology specimens are vital for disease diagnosis and treatment.
  • Near-miss events highlighted critical vulnerabilities in specimen collection and transportation.
  • A systematic approach was needed to enhance the safety and security of specimen handling.

Purpose:

  • To identify and mitigate potential risks in surgical specimen collection and transportation.
  • To reduce the rate of surgical specimen rejection using a structured analytical method.
  • To improve the overall quality of patient care through process optimization.

Summary:

  • Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) was employed to identify 14 potential perils in specimen handling.
  • Standard operating procedures were revised, educational materials created, and verification methods improved.
  • An online specimen tracking and rejection management system was developed and implemented.

Impact:

  • Successfully eliminated all 14 identified perils in the specimen transportation process.
  • Reduced specimen rejection rates dramatically from 0.86% to 0.03%.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary cooperation, patient-centered care, and hospital cost reduction through improved specimen tracking.
Keywords:
collection and transportationhealthcare failure model and effect analysisrejection ratesurgical pathology specimen

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