The Austin Hospital Improves LOS by Implementing a Pre Operative Pathway for Breast Surgery Patients

At Austin Hospital patients requiring drain tube management post mastectomy +/- axillary clearance had an excessive average LOS of 9 days, drain management varied between surgeons and there was poor consumer engagement.

To improve LOS The Austin standardized their practices:
• All patients requiring mastectomy +/- axillary clearance were seen in preadmission clinic by Hospital in the Home staff
• All patients with post operative drains are transferred to HITH day 2 post operatively unless contraindicated (i.e. pain)
• Standardised pathway developed and implemented for the management of breast Surgery Patients including uniformed:
 Drain tube selection
 Reportable parameters
 Removal criteria

As a result Austin Hospital has:
• Reduced LOS by 1.8 days (Ward by 0.5, HITH by 1.3)
• Decreased patient anxiety
• Established consistent management/care
• Decreased Falls Rate
• Decreased Pressure Injury Rate
• Increased Hand Hygiene Rate

Click here to view a summary slide of the Innovation.