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Q Bulletin, Volume 1, No. 32 (Supplement 1), Jan - Dec 202412th National QA Convention, 8 %u2013 10 October 2024QLL-66Streamlining Neonatal Jaundice Phototherapy: Lean Strategies for Rapid ResponseNurhanis I, Sharmineswary P, Asma NM, Lydia PCF, Mohd Basil SHospital Kuala Kubu Bharu, SelangorSELECTION OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT:Phototherapy is a common treatment for neonatal jaundice, a prevalent condition, characterised by yellowdiscoloration of the skin and sclera due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood among newborns.Delaying the reduction of bilirubin levels can lead to complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy orkernicterus. The aim of the study was to reduce the waiting time for neonates with jaundice to receivephototherapy.KEY MEASURES FOR IMPROVEMENT:The key indicator for improvement was measured by the percentage of neonates who had to wait morethan 30 minutes to receive phototherapy after hospital registration. The standard was set at 30 minutesbased on the discussion during the interfacility meeting.PROCESS OF GATHERING INFORMATION:A cross-sectional study conducted from March 2022 to May 2022 included all 31 neonates with jaundicewho were admitted to the obstetric ward for phototherapy. Data to identify contributing factors fordelayed phototherapy were collected using an audit form.ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:The pre-remedial study showed that all patients waited for more than 90 minutes to receive phototherapy.This delay was due to serum bilirubin levels being repeated in the hospital and being triaged to the GreenZone.STRATEGIES FOR CHANGE:Discussions with family medicine specialists and the district health officer were conducted to improve theworkflow process from receiving referrals to initiating phototherapy. It was decided that repeatedbilirubin testing would be done only after phototherapy commenced, leading to the establishment of anew workflow for admission.EFFECT OF CHANGE:The waiting time for neonates with jaundice to receive phototherapy had been reduced from 90 minutes toan average of 30 minutes.THE NEXT STEP:It is crucial to maintain this workflow to ensure that neonates with jaundice receive optimised carethrough the use of computerised systems and effective communication.164 | Page