EP 538 Improving the Handover System in Vascular Surgery
Rahma Liibaan, Raghvinder GambhirAbstract
Aims
A QIP aimed to replace a manually updated handover document in a Tertiary Vascular Surgery Department, with custom live patient lists within existing sub-utilised Electronic Patient Record (EPR). Aiming to reduce manual data entry, improve data confidence, team digital communication, and provide real-time visibility for all patient subclasses.
Methods
A mixed-methods baseline pilot was conducted. Quantitative data was gathered via a formal pre: n=5; 60% Registrars, 40% FY1s and post: n=7; 57% Registrars, 43% FY1s survey. Qualitative feedback was gathered Pre: 5/6 Consultants, 5/8 Registrars, 2/4 FY1s, and 1/4 CNS; Post: 6 Registrars, 2 FY1s. Custom EPR patient lists were designed, with standardised data input (itemised procedures/imaging, medications, PMH) and coded fields for Vascular-specific activity. Following transition consensus, instructions were deployed (written, 1:1 and group demonstration). Handover subsequently transitioned successfully and cost-neutrally from 0-100% EPR system to track patient activity.
Results
Pre and post survey: satisfaction 0% - 85.8% more-very satisfied. Identifying new patients: 80% difficulty – 85.8% easier (42.9 very, 42.9% easy). Accurate inpatient totals: 80% lack of confidence – 85.7% confident (71.4% extremely, 14.3% very). Determining list currency: 60% difficulty – 71.5% very-easy. Manual search of hospital number: 100% daily - 100% reduction (14.3% never). Patient care improvement: 0% disagreeing – 85.7% some-overall-positive impact found. Likert scales; improved: collaboration, standardisation and accessibility/tracking.
Conclusions
This project evidences the case of optimising EPR systems to improve patient care, with potential interventions at operational, scalability and human factor levels. Limitations included early deployment oversight, a small formal sample, ongoing technical configuration and post-intervention surveying.