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3400 Quality improvement project: streamlining phlebotomy oOrdering to meet green ED and blood bourne virus screening initiatives within the emergency department

emermed · 2026-04-20 · canonical JSON source

4 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Aims and Objectives This Quality Improvement Project was inspired by a 22 year old patient with known ASD presenting with tachycardia of unknown origin. People with learning difficulties experience health inequality due to less educational and employment opportunities (1). When accessing healthcare, especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, have higher mortality rates, more comorbidities and face more barriers than the general population (2,3). For these reasons, this project aimed to improve their ED experience through the medium of dedicated equipment, in line with the Autism Act of 2009. Newland R, Lawrence M, Sturdy D, Waterall J. Improving public health and reducing health inequalities for people with learning disabilities. British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing). 2023;32(18):902-3. Salmi D. People with learning disabilities can face double discrimination: People from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds who also have learning disabilities face higher levels of healthcare inequalities. Learning disability practice. 2023;26(3):12-4. Shaw SC, Davis L-J, Doherty M. Considering autistic patients in the era of telemedicine: the need for an adaptable, equitable, and compassionate approach. BJGP Open. 2022;6(1):BJGPO.2021.0174.Method and Design The Model for Improvement was used alongside PDSA cycles. Qualitative data was collected through feedback forms from patients and families and analysed after each PDSA cycle. A stakeholder meeting took place after each PDSA cycle to discuss future change.Abstract 3400 Figure 1Abstract 3400 Figure 2Results and Conclusion This small-scale project emerged from a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by neurodivergent patients, such as health inequalities and increasing mortality rates. It has successfully improved the experience in the ED for neurodivergent patients through user feedback by providing a sensory-friendly box. This led to funding of £28,000 which have funded two sensory-friendly rooms for the department in Sheffield.This project has been awarded the EDI Salma Hussein Award by the RCEM.