One of the innovative approaches implemented at Hamad General Hospital (HGH) for effective healthcare quality improvement was combining different quality improvement methodologies and tools for improving the care process and achieving patient safety. To test this approach, Lean and Model of Improvement with PDSA methodologies were combined for reducing the delay in IV stat administration.

Approach Tested an innovative idea for a 6- month intervention with a 6 - month data collection period in a pilot- test site of inpatient medical ward. Intervention was implemented by a multidisciplinary team and involved study of existing process, removing superfluous tasks through lean technique, using fish bone and Pareto analysis for decision making, testing and implementing change ideas using Model of Improvement and PDSA methodology. Appropriate and need based training was provided to staff involved in the process for sustenance of the improvement. The lessons learnt were spread to other medical units and scaled-up to other Hospitals of HMC across Qatar.

Results The outcome measures in terms of total mean delay in stat delivery time was well within target time of 30 minutes as set by the hospital guidelines. The previous mean time was 2 hours 20 minutes. The results were sustained in the pilot unit for 12 weeks before they were spread to other units.

Conclusions Combining Lean and model of improvement methodology can significantly contribute to better safety outcome measures for a patient- centered care.