Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction in Tumor Day Wards: An HFMEA-Based Process Redesign Study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Oncology Nursing

Background:

• Oncology day wards face operational challenges impacting patient care and safety.
• Optimizing workflow is crucial for efficient delivery of cancer treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Healthcare Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (HFMEA) in enhancing oncology day ward operational efficiency.
• To identify key areas for workflow improvement using a systematic risk assessment approach.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective controlled study involving 658 patients comparing standard care with HFMEA-based process redesign.
• Interventions included multidisciplinary team formation, admission assessment tools, optimized resource allocation, digital communication, and electronic health education.
• Risk Priority Numbers (RPNs) were calculated to quantify risks.

Main Results:

• HFMEA implementation led to significant RPN reduction rates: 48.01% (treatment), 52.94% (evaluation), and 61.59% (treatment processes).
• Median waiting time decreased from 16 to 7 minutes (P<0.05), with improved patient satisfaction in waiting time, infusion, education, and service attitude.
• No significant differences were observed in satisfaction with admission, technical aspects, or environment.

Conclusions:

• HFMEA-based workflow optimization effectively reduces medical risks and shortens patient waiting times in oncology day wards.
• The study highlights the value of HFMEA in improving patient satisfaction and operational efficiency in cancer care settings.
• These findings offer a scalable model for healthcare institutions seeking to enhance day ward services.