MANAGERIAL STUDY OF MEDICAL OXYGEN PIPELINE SYSTEM IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFY OPERATIONAL DEFICIENCIES & DEVELOP IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

Dr Saurabh Ghosh; Dr Punit Yadav

Volume : VI, Issue : VI, June - 2016

MANAGERIAL STUDY OF MEDICAL OXYGEN PIPELINE SYSTEM IN A GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFY OPERATIONAL DEFICIENCIES & DEVELOP IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES

Dr Saurabh Ghosh, Dr Punit Yadav

Abstract :

 Over the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in the use of medical oxygen for treating patients in healthcare facilities, with some hospitals seeing annual increases well in excess of 10%. Aim and objectives: Managerial study of the medical oxygen pipeline system in a specialized tertiary care government hospital, with a view to identify operational deficiencies. Materials and methods: An observational analytical study was performed in the hospital to estimate the consumption pattern with the use of a standardized template. The study assessed the demand consumption variance. A gap analysis was undertaken to identify operational deficiencies. Observations: An assessment of variation between the consumption of oxygen during the study period and re–filling of the liquid oxygen tank indicated a difference of 5,68,623Ltrs. The estimated loss to the hospital was approx. Rs 14029/– per week. Gap analysis indicated operational deficiencies in infrastructure including the absence of alarms and area monitors, human resource training, documentation and SoP’s. Conclusion: Medical Oxygen supply system is one of the most critical of all services which impacts on patient safety. The focus of the management should align to improving the service and close control of operational parameters.