Date of Graduation
Fall 12-12-2014
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. KT Waxman
Second Advisor
Dr. Amy Nichols
Third Advisor
Dr. Daphne Stannard
Abstract
Blood specimens are labeled at the time of acquisition in order to identify and match the specimen, label, and order to the patient. While the labeling process is not new, it is frequently laden with errors (Brown, Smith, & Sherfy, 2011). Wrong blood in tube (WBIT) poses significant risk. Multiple factors contribute to mislabeling errors, including lax policies, limited technological solutions, decentralized labeling processes, multi-tasking, distraction from the clinician, and insufficient education and training of staff. To reduce blood specimen labeling errors, a large academic medical center implemented an innovative technological solution for specimen labeling that integrates patient identification, physician order, and laboratory specimen identification through barcode technology that interfaces with the electronic medical record at the point of care. A failure mode, effects and critical analysis (FMECA) were completed to assess for system failure points, and to design workflow prior to training staff. Four failure points were identified and eliminated through workflow adjustments with the new system. Staff training utilizing simulation highlighted system safety points. This quality improvement process applied across adult and pediatric acute and critical care units provided dramatic reductions in blood specimen labeling errors pre/post intervention.
Recommended Citation
Hoiting, Traci, "SPECIMEN LABELING IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: SLIP" (2014). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects. 44.
https://repository.usfca.edu/dnp/44
