Objective: To improve the accuracy of operating the fully automated total parenteral nutrition (TPN) compounding system (Exacta-Mix 2400, EM2400) by using multiple instructional materials, with the anticipated outcomes of reducing the defect rate of TPN products and ensuring healthcare quality and patient safety.
Methods: Applying Plan–Do–Check–Act (i.e., PDCA) quality assurance procedure to reduce the defect rate of TPN products. Using the 5W2H method to analyze the situation and identify the main reason for the high inspection defect rate of TPN products. Countermeasures can then be formulated with the goal of improving the average defect rate of TPN products by 50%.
Results: After consulting multiple instructional materials, the average defect rate of TPN products was decreased from 1.25% to 0.32%, which was greater than the initial target of 0.625%. The target achievement rate was 148.8%, and the progress rate was 74%.
Conclusion: Although EM2400 can support quality control in the TPN process, manual operation is still required for setting-up and withdrawing active pharmaceutical ingredients. Negligence reduction and the maintenance of TPN quality are the next critical steps to ensure healthcare quality.