Authors (including presenting author) :
Au Yeung SH(1), Chan YY(1), Cheng LYS(1), Chow HY(1), Lai YY(1), Leung KML(1), Ma OF(1)
Affiliation :
Central Sterile Supply Department and Theatre Sterile Supply Unit, United Christian Hospital, Hospital Authority
Introduction :
The management of inventory is a critical concern in every healthcare facility. Effective inventory management can prevent shortages and stock outs of sterile supplies that directly impact the quality of patient care. Therefore, a Kanban Inventory Control System with the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been introduced and implemented in the Sterile Services Department (SSD) of a local hospital.
Objectives :
1. To maintain the continuity of sterile supplies in SSD;
2. To modernize inventory control in SSD
Methodology :
A Kanban inventory control has been established since August 2019. It is a two- bin inventory management system used to determine when sterile items should be replenished. When items in the first bin have been depleted, an order is placed to refill them. The second bin maintains the continuity of supply until the replenishment for the first bin arrives. In short, the first bin has a minimum of working stock and the second bin keeps reserve stock.
At the same time, a technology of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has also been introduced. The RFID tags are attached to each bin. The operator collects the tags from the empty bins, which generate a signal for stock replenishment through the computer interface. Up to 20 tags can be simultaneously read into the database for issuing request for stock replenishment. As a result, it not only saves time for data entry but also accurately identifies the items needed to replenish.
Result & Outcome :
After the implementation of the RFID-tagged Kanban inventory system, the stock level can be maintained efficiently and effectively.
