There is way more to a blood draw experience than the draw itself. It really begins before the patient even sits down.
From greeting to post-draw bandage application, every step in the process impacts how your patients perceive their level of care.
All phlebotomy teams possess incredible knowledge, skill, and dedication to patient comfort and satisfaction. Without a streamlined workflow in place, however, their workloads can easily seem daunting, which can negatively affect morale and compromise success.
Here are five easy ways to ensure your draw center runs like a kind, sensitive, and well-oiled machine. 
Provide a place for belongings: This is especially important during colder weather months, when patients are bundled up in heavy coats, scarves, gloves, etc. They should never feel like they’re too far away from their stuff. A simple coat hook nearby, along with a surface for other accessories, will help prevent separation anxiety and provide them their own personal space.
Keep frequently used supplies within close reach: We don’t mean in the same room. We mean no more than a few steps away. The farther away your tourniquets, swabs, needles, and other essentials are, the longer your draws take. Try to keep as much as you can within an arm’s reach. For those who are super time conscious, we suggesting using gravity-fed bins. Even when your supplies are running out, what’s remaining will stay right at the bottom for easy grabbing. 
Keep essentials in designated areas, but still near waste baskets: Of course, you don’t want your supplies so close to refuse that there is a contamination concern, but there is no reason to keep your waste containers dozens of feet away. Be aware of your natural movement and flow, and position waste receptacles accordingly, making sure you don’t have to stretch or bend unnecessarily.
Keep needles and pointy objects out of patient’s line of sight: When patients are nervous, it can add valuable time to a draw. Maintaining a calming environment, of course, is part of the job. However, it helps to be proactive. Why not keep the “scary stuff” out of sight so that your patients, especially children, don’t have more to get worked up about. A simple privacy wall or screen that sits between them and your instruments can work wonders.
Experiment with your arrangement: Even the best workflow systems can always be improved upon. Don’t be afraid to adjust the positions of your storage bins, baskets, draw surfaces, seating, etc. The most seemingly minor tweaks often can add minutes or even hours back into your workweek, allowing you to handle more patients and reduce their wait times.
Our Freestanding Phlebotomy Stations are built with all five of these concepts in mind. They are made to satisfy the needs of both patients and caregivers through effective use of space, safety, security and storage elements. Click here to learn more.
Do you have questions about our tips or our Freestanding Phlebotomy Stations? Please leave them in the comment box below!