Objective: Improper use of human albumin (HA) is now common in clinical settings. This study aims to explore the feasibility of the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle in promoting the rational use of HA.
Methods: The differences between the control and observation groups (after the PDCA cycle) in terms of serum albumin detection rate, serum albumin values, HA usage, and rationality were analysed and compared using a before-and-after control method.
Results: A total of 372 patients were recruited, including 186 in each of the control and observation groups. On comparison, it was observed that the overall use of HA improved after the PDCA cycle compared with the preintervention period, and the rational rate of HA prescriptions increased from 68.3% to 96.2%. The serum albumin detection rate before applying for HA increased from 83.9% to 98.9%, and the median values decreased from 26.7 (22.8-30.9) g/L to 24.7 (22.7-27.2) g/L. Regarding the use of HA, the median amount of HA used was reduced by 20 g compared with the preintervention period, meanwhile, the median duration was shortened by 2 days.
Conclusion: The PDCA cycle is desirable when employed to promote the rational use of HA.
Keywords: Clinical assessment; Clinical decisions; Drug administration; Methodological research.
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