Monitor turnaround time and time efficiency in hemodialysis delivery--a global comparison.
OBJECTIVE
Increasing cost pressure has forced shortening of dialysis treatments. The aim of this study was to benchmark the hemodialysis (HD) delivery monitor turnaround time and time efficiency in a global comparison.


METHODS
683 HD deliveries in 26 Gambro Healthcare clinics in Europe, Taiwan and the USA were assessed using the Treatment Mapping methodology.


RESULTS
Consolidated mean monitor turnaround time was 324.4 min. On average, 69% consisted of the HD treatment and 31% (102.8 min) of other activities: monitor preparation, monitor disinfection and monitor waiting--roughly one third each. USA had the shortest monitor turnaround, dialysis treatment and disinfection times. However, time efficiency--the percentage of monitor turnaround time on dialysis--was the lowest in the USA (68 vs. 69 and 74% in Europe and Taiwan) as monitor preparation, undress and waiting were the longest in USA.


CONCLUSIONS
A monitor/disposable design to minimize time for preparation, undress and disinfection would reduce the cost of operational time without compromising quality.
Alquist
Maria
M
Medical and Safety Office, Gambro AB, Lund, Sweden. maria.alquist@gambro.com
Hegbrant
Jorgen B A
JB
Bosch
Juan P
JP
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000191:economics* / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors