Document Type
Poster
Unit
9 Monti
Site
North Shore University Hospital
Date
11-20-2024
Start Date
20-11-2024 10:00 AM
Abstract
North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) piloted a Real Time Location System (RTLS) to address inefficiencies with its current Pneumatic Tube System (PTS), which impacts the timely delivery of medications, lab specimens, and blood products. The current system suffers from tube shortages, leading to over-requesting, hoarding, and staff physically transporting items, ultimately delaying patient care and causing staff dissatisfaction. The pilot program tagged five tubes specifically for use on the 9 Monti unit and tracked their location if not returned within 30 minutes. Initial results showed a significant increase in staff satisfaction with tube availability and a 10% increase in labs processed before 10 am. Collaboration with IT and interdisciplinary communication were key to the pilot's success, which aligns with Northwell Health's value of innovation in patient care. Further evaluation, including assessment of impact on discharge times and throughput, and expansion to other units is planned.
Improving Patient Care Through Pneumatic Tube System Improvement (PTSI) Pilot
North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) piloted a Real Time Location System (RTLS) to address inefficiencies with its current Pneumatic Tube System (PTS), which impacts the timely delivery of medications, lab specimens, and blood products. The current system suffers from tube shortages, leading to over-requesting, hoarding, and staff physically transporting items, ultimately delaying patient care and causing staff dissatisfaction. The pilot program tagged five tubes specifically for use on the 9 Monti unit and tracked their location if not returned within 30 minutes. Initial results showed a significant increase in staff satisfaction with tube availability and a 10% increase in labs processed before 10 am. Collaboration with IT and interdisciplinary communication were key to the pilot's success, which aligns with Northwell Health's value of innovation in patient care. Further evaluation, including assessment of impact on discharge times and throughput, and expansion to other units is planned.