Management of patients undergoing image guided biopsies
Category: Investigation Process
The problem identified
Image guided biopsies were booked and a day case bed was requested. The patients were informed of the date of the biopsy and prepared for the procedure. The patient would come to the hospital on the appropriate day but if a bed was not available the biopsy would be postponed.
The intervention made to change the problem
After lobbying by the clinicians theTrust introduced a planned investigation & treatment unit (PITU) to facilitate day case, day care and 5 day admission.
How it changed my practice
The lung CNS liaises with the PITU co-ordinator and the radiology consultant to determine a date for the procedure. The patients are guaranteed a bed on the day of the procedure and image guided procedures are not cancelled due to bed availability. This minimises the patient distress and ensures that resources are used effectively.
