PI MODEL

Find an Opportunity to Improve: Patient Identification was the improvement process

F chosen for Women’s Health.

Organize a Team: Altrenna Wiley, Sr LPN and Mary Mantone, RNC were chosen to

O do the PI project to improve accuracy of patient identification.

Clarify the Current Process: When specimens were collected, they were being “kept”

C in a bin in hallway until the requisitions were printed and placed in the specimen
biohazard bag. It was also noted that they would stay there until the end of clinic and
then brought to the soiled utility room for pick up by the lab.

Understand the Root Cause: Although having the specimens “sit” in the hallway and

U not promptly taken to the soiled utility room was a factor. Inattention to detail by not
checking and verifying name on specimen and requisition was more of a concern.

Select the Improvement Process: First, our manager, Makacha White, worked with

S the lab to pick up in both areas so specimens do not have to be taken down to the
Faculty soiled utility room. Second, specimens Policies on patient identification /
specimen collection were reviewed and a poster presentation was provided for the
staff.

Plan the improvement: A bulletin board, Positive Patient Identification, was presented

P to staff and put in a central location. Using 2 identifiers, labeling in the presence of the
patient, and using another staff member to verify the correct patient and requisition.

Do the improvement to the process: The process of accurately identifying patients

D using 2 identifiers and adding another lab specimen pick up area was implemented. In
addition, the bulletin board was presented in February 2018.

Check the results: The process improvement was initiated in February and the

C errors have not stopped, but there has been less of them.

Act to hold the gain and continue to improve the process: Staff are

A updated on compliancy of patient identification and status of lab / specimen labeling

errors at staff meetings. The bulletin board is in a high traffic area for staff and staff also
remind each other of verifying patient, label, specimen, and requisition.