Bar Code‐Based Management to Enhance Efficiency of a Sterile Supply Unit in Singapore

Abstract

Sterile surgical instruments are essential for successful surgical outcomes. The Singapore General Hospital's Theatre Sterile Supplies Unit (TSSU) has faced many challenges, including increasing demand for instruments and the need to maintain instruments of greater complexity. To address these challenges, stakeholders from key departments at Singapore General Hospital formed a multidisciplinary team to transform operations in the TSSU. The team adopted and implemented the TSSU Instrument Management System (TIMS) in three phases over five years. The project included standardizing instrument-naming conventions, implementing electronic integration of instrument tracking in the unit, extending traceability of instruments to the major ORs, initiating integrated web-based instrument ordering, and extending the system management of instruments at ambulatory surgery and specialized OR facilities. The implementation of TIMS has improved inventory, supply, and quality management; reduced instrument repairs; and led to savings through increased productivity and lower expenses.

Inventory management of surgical supplies and sterile instruments in hospitals: a literature review

“…However, no analytical method is employed to reach such a conclusion. One of the most important prerequisites for improving management of surgical supplies and instruments, which is highlighted by practitioners (Goh et al, 2016;Park & Dickerson, 2009) and academics (Rosales et al, 2014;Yazici, 2014), is that the healthcare industry utilises information technology systems to collect data and share information. Using data capture technologies (eg, barcode and RFID) enables hospitals to benefit from perpetual inventory system by reducing delays in delivery to the OR, reducing labour costs in restocking unused items, sharing information between involved departments, and reducing inventory levels.…”

Streamlining workflows and redesigning job roles in the theatre sterile surgical unit

“…This will also result in better management of priority sets as the TSSU will know which equipment to prioritise, leading to better management, efficient case scheduling and reduced scheduling conflicts. Additionally, monitoring of instrument usage patterns will result in more informed procurement decisions for the OTs 10…”

“…In the area of sterile supply unit, the common challenge faced by most hospitals has been how to cope with the increasing demand while managing the multifaceted constraints. The Singapore General Hospital implemented the TSSU instrument management system (TIMS) which improved inventory, supply and quality management of the instruments 10. Besides exploring automation, other studies discussed the benefits of outsourcing the function to create greater value within the OT team 11.…”