Root cause analysis method applied in the reduction of return-cleaning rate with pediatric aspirator luminal instruments

Abstract

Objective To explore the continuous improvement to reduce the suctioning pediatrics lumen instruments return- cleaning rate of the first time washing, improve work efficiency and reduce the cost by applying root cause analysis. Methods Using causal analysis of fishbone diagram to analysis and verify the main reason of leading to high lumen instruments return- cleaning rate. According to the three terminal factors of continuous quality improvement, quality control group was set up, lumen instruments cleaning quality control standards was made, water flow mode of lumen instruments cleaning was changed, selected the appropriate cleaning tools and real picture show, synchronize quality control measures of publishing the quality and safety board. Compared before and after return- cleaning rate of three different detection methods and the different parts of the same suction lumen instruments. Results Before carrying out eye-measurement, cotton swab to wipe, ATP bioluminescence back washing rate was 0.89% (2/225), 7.11% (16/225), 27.11% (61/225), respectively after implementation of 0, 0.44% (1/226), 3.98% (9/226), visual observation before and after the return rate of washing was no statistically significant difference (χ2= 2.018, P > 0.05); Cotton swab to wipe, ATP bioluminescence back washing rate difference was statistically significant (χ2= 13.820, 45.999, P 0.05). Conclusions ATP bioluminescence assay has fine effects to detect the return-washing rate of the inner wall of the lumen instruments. The Root Cause Analysis method significantly reduced the return-washing rate of the inside surface of the suction lumen instruments, improve the efficiency, save the medical cost and reduce the hospital infection. Key words: Aspirator lumen instruments; Cleaning efficacy; Return-cleaning rate; Root cause analysis; Continuous quality improvement