Implementing a Non-invasive Technology to Measure Hemoglobin for At-Risk Veterans
Last updated
Share PrintThe implementation of non-invasive, real-time hemoglobin monitoring as an innovative solution addresses the costly and discomforting aspects of laboratory testing, improving Veteran care. By adopting this technology, we can reduce phlebotomist touchpoints, minimize serial blood draws, increase patient comfort, and expedite clinical decision-making. The benefits extend to various settings within VA hospitals, including blood loss monitoring, surgical procedures, hemoglobin assessment, and home anemia monitoring.
Origin:
January 2021, Fayetteville VA Medical Center (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Adoptions:
1 successful
Partners:
Systems Redesign and Improvement
Recent Updates
Overview
The problem
The solution
Videos
Above:
Improve Outcomes with Continuous Total Hemoglobin (SpHb®)
Above:
Rad-67™ Pulse CO-Oximeter® with Noninvasive Hemogobin (SpHb®) Spot-check Monitoring
The results
Files
- 2023 Study Statistics correlating with Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to identify agreement between SpHgb and lab hemoglobin values of this project findings. Accuracy of non-invasive hemoglobin level measurement in the emergency department
- Lean Six Sigma, Performance Improvement, R.O.I., and Literature Review Grand Rounds Presentation
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Timeline
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Week 1-3.
1. Initial Planning and Administrative Support:• Chief of Staff, Chief of Medicine, and Chief of Surgery provide administrative support and guidance. -
Week 4-5
2. Project Management and Data Collection:• VA Hospital Systems Redesign Coordinator assists with project management at their designated facility.• Utilization Management contributes statistical data from each VA Hospital.• Supervisory Inventory Management provides inventory information for cost analysis. -
Week 5
3. Approval and Equipment Management:• Medical Director gives final approval for ordering non-invasive monitors.• Medical Device Representative educates, orders, and follows up on equipment-related matters.• Supervisory Biomedical Engineer ensures proper inspection of devices before use.*This was the longest phase of my Green Belt project. -
Week 9
4. Education and Training:• Educate Phlebotomists, Nurses, Medical doctors, nurse practitioners, anesthesia personnel, and physician assistants on SpHb and its usage. -
Week 11
5. Communication and Data Collection:• Intensive Care Unit Manager, Emergency Department Manager, and Director of Clinical Laboratories facilitate communication and data collection. -
Week 14
6. Compliance and Privacy:• Privacy/FOIA Officer ensures compliance with veteran information privacy regulations. -
Week 20
7. Data Collection and Clinical Decision-making:• Phlebotomists collect data using the non-invasive hemoglobin monitor.• Nurses across various departments use the monitor for data collection.• Medical doctors, nurse practitioners, anesthesia personnel, and physician assistants make clinical decisions based on SpHb data. -
Week 25
8. Improved Veteran Care:• Veterans benefit from receiving non-invasive monitoring during their healthcare journey.
Departments
- Anesthesia
- Emergency care
- Gastroenterology
- Hematology/Oncology
- Cardiovascular surgery
- Colon and rectal surgery
- Biomed
- Critical care
- Purchasing and supplies
- Education and training
- Risk management
- Nursing services
- Intensive care unit
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery
- Polytrauma and traumatic brain injury
- Pulmonary medicine
- Surgery
- Surgical oncology
- Vascular surgery
Core Resources
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Optional Resources
Files
- Project potential Return on Investment Project ROI Methodology
About
Origin story
Original team
Ryan Vincenzo
Process Owner
Comment
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