036 Reducing the use of disposable saturation probes in theatre: a cost-saving initiative. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharkey, E; Hume-Smith, H; Cervci, E
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 103:Supplement 2(2018)
• Page Start: A15
• Page End: A15
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/goshabs.36
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Great Ormond Street Hospital is the one of the largest paediatric centres in the UK with approximately 12 600 children undergoing general anaesthesia for therapeutic procedures annually. In 2016, an audit showed 62% of patients undergoing general anaesthesia had a new disposable saturation probe at a cost of £46 400 per year. With rising probe prices, we saw the opportunity to evaluate probe usage and reduce costs. Aims: To evaluate the usage of disposable saturation probes in theatre. To reduce the unnecessary usage of these probes Method: A baseline snapshot audit was conducted to evaluate the usage of disposable probes during patients' journey through the theatre complex. Quality improvement methods were used to improve use of reusable probes whilst reducing the inappropriate use of disposable probes. Measures included education of all staff within the theatre complex around probe choice dependent on patient age and size. Reduced accessibility of disposable probes by redesigning the stocking of the pre-assessment area, anaesthetic rooms and recovery. Reusable probes were purchased for all areas and a team approach was used to ensure these probes were returned to the theatre complex. Results: Initial audit results showed that 65% of patients used a new disposable saturation probe whilst in the theatre complex. Of these, 75% were used inappropriately. After 3 PDSA cycles re-audit showed that disposable probes were used inappropriately on only 7% of our patients. This resulted in an average cost-reduction of £8700 per month since implementation. Conclusion: In an increasingly financially constrained environment, where cost-saving and waste reduction are key features of considerate healthcare, we have shown that with education of staff and appropriate provision of equipment, it is possible to reduce disposable saturation probe use, generating significant departmental cost savings.