Applying Lean Techniques to Reduce Intravenous Waste Through Premixed Solutions and Increasing Production Frequency. Issue 1 (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Alex C.; Penm, Jonathan; Ivey, Marianne F.; Deng, Yihong; Commins, Monica
• Is Part Of: Journal for healthcare quality. Volume 40:Issue 1(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: hospital pharmacy -- lean processes -- productivity -- IV waste -- IV compounding; Medical care -- Quality control -- Periodicals; Quality assurance -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1097/JHQ.0000000000000043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1062-2551

Abstract

Abstract : Background: This study aims to use lean techniques and evaluate the impact of increasing the use of premixed IV solutions and increased IV production frequency on IV waste. Methods: Study was conducted at a tertiary hospital pharmacy department in three phases. Phase I included evaluation of IV waste when IV production occurred three times a day and eight premixed IV products were used. Phase II increased the number of premixed IV products to 16. Phase III then increased IV production to five times a day. Results: During Phase I, an estimate of 2, 673 IV doses were wasted monthly, accounting for 6.14% of overall IV doses. This accounted for 688 L that cost $60, 135. During Phase II, the average monthly IV wastage reduced significantly to 1, 069 doses (2.84%), accounting for 447 L and $34, 003. During Phase III, the average monthly IV wastage was further decreased to 675 doses (1.69%), accounting for 78 L and $3, 431. Hence, a potential annual saving of $449, 208 could result from these changes. Conclusion: IV waste was reduced through the increased use of premixed solutions and increasing IV production frequency.