Hospital Clínic Barcelona continues to advance the digitalization of care processes through various lines of its strategic plan. Among these innovation, sustainability and clinical practice improvement initiatives, a standout is the consolidation of a digital system that optimizes blood draws, reduces errors, enhances pre-analytical quality and strengthens patient safety at every step.
A tool supporting every stage of the procedure
Since 2020, the hospital has used ProTube, a digital system developed with input from centre professionals that guides nursing staff through the entire blood draw process and fully integrates into their daily practice.
Barcode identification ensures correct matching of each sample to the patient, while a clear interface and guided navigation enable greater precision, even during high-demand periods.
The system provides automatic alerts for samples requiring special conditions and groups analytical requests, reducing the number of tubes needed per patient. Its implementation aligns with projects like Clínic Inteligente and the digital transformation of care processes —key pillars of the Nou Univers Clínic 2025 Strategic Plan.
Promoting sustainability and resource efficiency
Optimizing tube usage and reducing pre-analytical errors directly supports the strategic plan's sustainability goals. By avoiding duplicates and minimizing waste, the Clínic is advancing toward a more responsible clinical practice model aligned with healthcare's environmental needs.
This line of work reinforces the hospital's commitment to efficient resource use and the adoption of digital solutions that enhance both care delivery and environmental impact.
Digitalization enables more patient care time
Digitalizing this pre-analytical workflow has significantly reduced errors and improved sample traceability. Teams highlight that a more structured process streamlines work and frees up time for direct patient care.
Nursing staff and technical teams agree the tool provides greater safety and precision throughout the process. Direct reading of the health card or wristband for correct patient identification, combined with guided structure and reduced labelling errors, builds confidence for both experienced professionals and newcomers.
In home hospitalization, properly identified samples from the outset ensure continuity and safety in care. Additionally, fewer tubes improve the care experience and prevent unnecessary waste.
ProTube's implementation exemplifies the hospital's commitment to leading, innovative nursing focused on continuous improvement. The tool underscores nursing's vital perspective in digital transformation, positioning the profession as a protagonist in a safer, more humane and sustainable care model.
