Coproduction Supported Zero Harm Identification Initiative in the Ambulatory Setting

Valerie Murphy, Rebecca Osgood, and Debralee Quinn

Laboratory errors have emerged as a priority for CHA to be addressed. They can lead to inaccurate test results affecting patient care. The project goal is to achieve “Zero Harm” in laboratory practices, accurate patient identification and reduce mislabeled/unlabeled specimens. Incorporating the patient into the procedure and the testing is a critical component of our revised process.
Collaboration with the laboratory and ambulatory clinics we will develop processes that incorporate both patients/family and staff to support “Zero Harm” initiatives. According to Batalden et al, Services unlike manufactured goods, are always coproduced by service professionals and service users.2 This Gold Fellowship project initiative will include implementation of identifying and banding all patients in the ambulatory setting, and incorporating the patient/family members in the identification process. With the organizational and IT support we will advance this initiative by implementing barcoding scanning, wristband printing with a trial in two clinics, in ambulatory care.

Patients/families were cited as key stakeholders. Clinic staff in the lab, need to verbally/visually identify patient at the time of collection, achieving agreement. Future goal is to wristband patients during registration and verify ID information at every interaction. We propose through this new process to incorporate focused scripted education using apology and disclosure and patient participation. Including patients/family members and colleagues in the “Zero Harm” initiatives will reinforce the current culture of safety, ownership, and positivity. Our team proposes working in a thoughtful and economical way that is future orientated.