Optimizing Geriatric Venipuncture: A DRG-Compatible Team-Based Reengineering Strategy

Tong Zhang,1 Tao Wang,2 Jingli Kou,1 Zhongying Zhang,1 Yanqiu Wang1 1Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, 100053, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Emergency, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Tao Wang, Email wangtao@xwhosp.orgObjective: This study evaluates a reengineered intervention aimed at improving the clinical management of intravenous indwelling needles in geriatric patients, focusing on cost-efficiency within the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment framework.Methods: The intervention was assessed through a comparative study involving 387 elderly patients in the Geriatric Department of Xuanwu Hospital, between June 2021 and March 2022. The study contrasted outcomes between patients treated before and after implementing a new team-based management protocol in November 2021.Results: Findings indicate enhanced first-attempt venipuncture success, reduced consumable costs, and decreased complication rates in the post-intervention group (P < 0.001), compared to controls.Conclusion: The intervention demonstrates significant benefits in venipuncture efficiency, cost reduction, and patient safety, suggesting its potential for broader adoption in geriatric care.Keywords: clinical management, intravenous indwelling needles, geriatric wards, process reengineering, DRG Payment, consumables control