STUDY OF HOW EFFICIENT THE PNEUMATIC TRANPORT SYSTEM IS COMPARED TO MANUAL METHODS INNOVATIVE METHODS TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL EFFICIENCY.

Introduction: Increasing financial burden on us, on quality of patient care and ever increasing competition has forced hospital administrators across world to focus on innovation in the Management of Hospitals. Internal logistics of materials like Laboratory samples, reports, blood products, drugs from pharmacy is of primary importance and has direct bearing on the provision of good quality care to patient and improving patient satisfaction. The present study was done to find the efficiency of one such method of logistics management, i.e. pneumatic transport system (PTS). Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in India. Data was collected by direct observation and comparing with existing conventional human based transportation. Observation: There was no difference in time taken for drawing of samples, labelling and handling of samples between two methods. But there was a significant reduction in time for arranging manpower and transportation of samples in case of pneumatic chute system. Total time taken for sample transportation by pneumatic system was 15.8 min while by manual method was 39.7 min, by pneumatic system was 15.25 min while by manual method was 44.4 min, and by pneumatic system was 15.36 min while by manual method was 45.2 min from OT, Cardiac, Semi PVT / PVT to Laboratory respectively. Conclusion: PTS is a valuable alternative to conventional human dependant transport. The study shows there is a definite saving in manpower and time for transport.