Patient safety in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) at the Glenfield Hospital has seen a significant boost thanks to a successful project led by Clinical Nurse Specialist Faba Alex.
As part of her training, Faba identified opportunities to enhance patient care by ensuring cardiac monitors were set up in the best possible way. Using QI (Quality Improvement) techniques, she explored the process of setting up the machines and found ways to make it even safer and more reliable.
The QI process helped Faba come up with a series of practical solutions, including introducing ‘cardiac champions’ to support colleagues, adding clear labels to monitoring leads, and educating patients on the importance of being correctly monitored.
She said: “I have learned to ask questions and to find solutions by looking into the bigger picture, identifying the root cause rather than addressing the surface problems.”
Thanks to Faba’s work, the availability of cardiac monitoring leads – used to check a patient’s heart reading – improved by half, as well as colleagues setting up monitors correctly 75% more often. Her project has not only supported colleagues in CDU but has also strengthened overall patient safety.
Faba’s project is part of a wider commitment at UHL to build a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring safer care and better experiences for patients. Find out more about our myQI campaign.