The Productivity of Phlebotomists: A Deep Dive in Calgary, Alberta
Summary
- Researchers found that the average time to perform a routine Venipuncture was 4 minutes and 19 seconds per patient, with a benchmark productivity rate of ten patients per hour.
- In a survey conducted, over 23 percent of respondents drew over 15 inpatients per hour at their busiest, with the highest volume of outpatients drawn per hour being eight patients.
- While 53 percent of survey participants stated they did not have a formal quota, 38 percent mentioned an unofficial expectation to draw a certain number of patients per hour, with most falling between 6-12 patients.
The Productivity of Phlebotomists: A Deep Dive
Phlebotomists play a crucial role in the healthcare system by drawing blood for Diagnostic Tests and procedures. The productivity of phlebotomists is often a topic of interest, with many factors influencing how many patients they can draw per hour. In a recent survey and study conducted in Calgary, Alberta, researchers delved into the average time it takes to perform a routine Venipuncture and established productivity benchmarks based on their findings.
Research Findings
The researchers in Calgary found that the average "cycle time" to perform the required steps of a routine, uncomplicated Venipuncture was approximately four minutes and nineteen seconds per patient. This time frame included factors such as patient accessibility, transit time, and the skill of the collector. After adding two standard deviations to this average time, they established a benchmark productivity rate of ten patients per hour. This benchmark served as a guide for setting realistic expectations for phlebotomist productivity.
Survey Results
In a survey conducted among phlebotomists, over 23 percent of respondents stated that they draw over 15 inpatients per hour at their busiest. The survey also revealed that the highest volume of outpatients drawn per hour was eight patients, with only 35 percent of respondents drawing ten or more outpatients per hour. For those drawing a combination of inpatients and outpatients, the majority drew ten patients per hour, followed by twelve patients per hour.
Quotas and Expectations
When asked about quotas and expectations at their workplace, 53 percent of survey participants mentioned that they did not have any formal quotas set. However, 38 percent stated that while there was no official quota, there was an unofficial expectation to draw a certain number of patients per hour. Responses varied, with some mentioning quotas as low as four patients per hour, while others mentioned expectations of drawing up to 30 patients per hour. Most respondents fell between the range of 6-12 patients per hour.
Comments and Insights
Several comments from survey participants shed light on the challenges and varying expectations faced by phlebotomists in their daily work. Some mentioned the need for speed and efficiency to accommodate a high volume of draws, while others emphasized the importance of focusing on the quality of the draw rather than speed. The comments also highlighted the diverse settings in which phlebotomists work, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and mobile units, each with its own unique productivity expectations.
Overall, the survey and research findings provide valuable insights into the productivity of phlebotomists and the factors that influence how many patients they can draw per hour. By understanding these benchmarks and expectations, healthcare facilities can better support their phlebotomy staff and optimize their Workflow to ensure efficient and quality patient care.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only, reflecting the personal opinions and insights of the author(s) on the topics. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. No contributors to this web site make any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use. While we strive to share accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. The blog may also include links to external websites and resources for the convenience of our readers. Please note that linking to other sites does not imply endorsement of their content, practices, or services by us. Readers should use their discretion and judgment while exploring any external links and resources mentioned on this blog.
