Challenge: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was an urgent need to establish an efficient and scalable drive-thru testing program to:

• Ensure Safety and Increase Testing Capacity: Handle a high volume of tests while minimizing the risk of virus transmission/implement safety protocols to protect staff and patients.

• Ensure Efficiency: Streamline the testing process to reduce wait times and operational bottlenecks.

• Data Management: Track test results and patient information accurately for timely follow-up and reporting

Results/Outcomes:

Increased Testing Capacity: Successfully conducted a high volume of tests per day, significantly increasing testing availability and accessibility.

1. Reduced Wait Times: Streamlined processes led to an average wait time reduction, enhancing patient experience and throughput.

2. Enhanced Safety: Implemented effective safety measures, reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission among patients and staff.

3. Efficient Data Management: Achieved accurate and timely reporting of test results, supporting effective contact tracing and follow-up

Core Team: Medical Personnel, Admin Staff, IT and Data Management, Health Officials and Patient Safety

Timeline: 3 Days

To address these challenges, a comprehensive drive-thru testing program was designed and implemented with the following approach.

Design and Planning:

• Site Selection: Identified and prepared suitable locations with adequate space for drive-thru lanes and operational flow.

• Workflow Design: Developed a detailed workflow, including patient check-in, testing procedures, and result processing to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.

• Resource Allocation: Determined staffing needs, equipment requirements, and supply procurement to support the program

Implementation:

• Infrastructure Setup: Installed drive-thru stations with necessary equipment, including testing booths, signage, and safety barriers.

• Staff Training: Trained medical personnel, support staff, and volunteers on testing procedures, safety protocols, and customer service.

• Safety Measures: Established protocols for personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitization, and contactless interactions to ensure the safety of both patients and staff

  Operational Management:

  • Testing Operations: Monitored daily operations to address any issues and ensure adherence to protocols.

  • Quality Control: Implemented quality control measures to ensure accurate testing and consistent patient experience.

  • Data Management: Managed data collection and reporting, including test results and patient follow-up, in compliance with health regulations and privacy standards

    Evaluation and Optimization:

    • Performance Monitoring: Regularly reviewed program performance metrics, such as test turnaround times, patient throughput, and staff efficiency.

    • Feedback and Improvement: Collected feedback from patients and staff to identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to optimize the program

      Skills Used

    • Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, Process Mapping, Stakeholder Communications, Project Charter, Word, Patient Safety, Lucidchart, etc.