Kori Kelly completed a Lean Leader project to reduce damage to telemetry machines by developing custom-fit protective pouches. Telemetry machines were being damaged when patients accidentally dropped them or they got strained in patient gowns. Kori tested sample pouches on units, modified the design based on feedback, and worked with the company to create a new custom pouch. With the pouches, damage to telemetry machines was reduced by 45% in a year, saving the hospital $38,000 in repair costs. The pouches also improved patient comfort and care by preventing accidental drops and signal interference.

1. July 24, 2015
VAT and LEAN – Pouches for Telemetry Machines
Kori Kelly, Biomedical Equipment Technician, completed Lean Leader training in June of 2013 and went on
to complete a hugely successful project. She focused her project on reducing damage to telemetry boxes (a type
of heart rate monitor) to increase patient safety and reduce repair costs. Her problem statement was,
“Damages with our telemetry box transmitters are daily due to accidental drops from mobile and non-mobile
patients. This limits the integrity of the signal monitoring for patients on the monitors due to
internal/external component damages, which initiates unnecessary high cost repairs.”
Telemetry machines were kept in the pocket of patient gowns, but this is uncomfortable for patients who would
remove them when lying in bed. This would result in strained connections to the EKG machine, or the
telemetry unit would land on the floor. And there were plenty accidentally dropped into the toilet! (I know …
yuck!)
Kori obtained pouch samples from several companies and presented them to the Nursing Leadership
Committee. Within 2 months, 2 units, T2 and 4SW, were trialing 2 pouch samples.
Feedback from the trial indicated some opportunities to design a modified pouch, and the company took Kori’s
design modifications and made a whole new pouch at little to no cost difference! Can you believe that? Kori
got the company to custom make a pouch based on the outcomes of the trial at York Hospital! It shows you
how important listening to the Voice of the Customer is.
The modifications include a longer, softer foam strap to enhance patient comfort and a clip to add additional
security to prevent accidental drops from beds. That strap even prevents the telemetry unit from swaying on
patients who are mobile.
With Janet Miller, Senior PI Specialist, and Hal Baker, MD, Chief Quality Officer, as Kori’s coaches,
another trial of this new and improved pouch began and a survey went out to gather feedback quickly. This
pouch was so much better that it offered even more unintended benefits! Because the strain on the wire is
reduced by the pouch, the interference with the patients’ heartrate is eliminated. Other departments
throughout the hospital began inquiring when they would be receiving ‘new pouches’ to try.
The pouches are registered in Lawson and departments can order their own supply under #11458. In a year,
there was a 45% reduction in repair costs to telemetry boxes, which was about $38,000 in savings. As pouch
use becomes a more standard practice for our telemetry patients, more annual savings are anticipated. There
are other, even better benefits—less hassle for nurses and a better level of care for our patients.
So in one project, Kori was able to improve every one of our WellSpan WIGS (or Wildly Important
Goals). Quality and Safety were increased. The patient experience was improved. Employee Engagement was
enhanced. And we saved some money as well. It shows you how powerful and important our Lean process
improvement work is. What a wonderful job Kori!