NATIONAL INFOCOMM AWARDS 2012

Winner for the Category of Most Innovative Use of Infocomm Technology (Public Sector)

Company: KK Women's and Children's Hospital

Product/Service: Surgical Counting and Operating Theatre Tracking (SCOTT) System [An RFID Gauze & Instrument Counting System used in Operating Theatre]

Product/Service Description

Using RFID technology – we piloted the Surgical Counting and Operating Theatre Tracking (SCOTT) System that tracks and locates the movement of gauzes and instruments as they move from one area to another within the OT. The data captured by the system is processed and reflected on the monitor for the doctors and nurses (scrub team) in real time. Based on the information captured, the scrub team in the OT was able to keep track of the number of gauzes and instruments in and out of the operative field, and hence prevent any risk of gauze or surgical instrument retained inside patients undergoing surgery.

Benefits

The use of the RFID technology system redefines surgical process practice to significantly enhance patient safety, as well as improve the productivity of the OT team. This is an innovative and comprehensive solution for the medical and nursing staff in the Operating Theatre (OT) to eliminate the risk of retained surgical instruments, gauzes (sponges) or any other sterile consumables in a patient's body after surgery. Enabling the team to account for all the sponges and instruments used during a surgery minimizes the time needed for multiple counts for gauze and surgical instruments, as well as reduces the need for lengthier and possible costlier x-ray scans to determine whether a gauze or instrument has been left in a patient. This RFID trial has demonstrated the effective use of technology in enhancing the safety of Operating Theatre practice.

About KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH)

KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) has evolved over the decades, since its founding in 1858, into a leader in Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Neonatology. Today, the 830-bed hospital is a referral centre providing tertiary services to handle high-risk conditions in women and children. More than 400 specialists adopt a multi-disciplinary and holistic approach to treatment, and harness the latest innovations and technology for the best medical care possible. As an academic healthcare institution, KKH believes that world-class clinical training and research are imperative in raising the standard of care. The Hospital has a culture of innovation that strives for world-class clinical leadership. KKH is part of Singapore’s largest healthcare cluster, the SingHealth Group.

For more information, please contact:

Melvin Tan
Manager, Corporate Communications
Email: melvin.tan.ek@kkh.com.sg
Office: +65 6394 3783
Mobile: +65 9695 1807

Edgar Tan
Executive, Corporate Communications
Email: edgar.tan.ts@kkh.com.sg
Office: +65 6394 8558
Mobile: +65 9747 7005