Ensuring that preoperative test results are available at the time of surgery--a quality improvement project at Strong Memorial Hospital.
METHODS
Improving the hospital's record for having preoperative electrocardiogram interpretations and laboratory results available for surgeons at the time of surgery. Principals: Representatives of management and supervisory staff from the Admitting Office, Laboratory Medicine, Medical Records, Heart Station, Surgical Support Services, Surgical Nursing, as well as representatives of the physician staff and quality assurance staff. Process Improvement Method: Modified Juran model. Timeline: Begun: Fall 1989. RESULTS reported here: September 1989-May 1991.


RESULTS
Because of problems with the procedures for ordering preoperative tests, performing and interpreting the tests, and transmitting and filing results, 36 percent of inpatient EKGs and of inpatient laboratory reports, 8 percent of same-day admission EKGs, and 19 percent of same-day admission laboratory reports were not available at the time of surgery.


RESULTS
At the time of this report, 91 percent of the tests ordered were in the medical record when the patient reached the operating room. Data indicate that once further improvements recommended by the team are implemented by other QI teams and committees, 95 percent of EKGs and lab test results will be in the medical record by the time of surgery.
D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D004526:Efficiency; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D015274:Interdepartmental Relations; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D008332:Management Quality Circles; D009518:New York; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000592:standards*; D011340:Problem Solving; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*