Using lean methodology to decrease wasted RN time in seeking supplies in emergency departments.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Operations Management
• Process Improvement in Medicine
• Emergency Department Workflow Optimization

Background:

• Efficient supply management is critical for effective emergency department (ED) patient care.
• Unoptimized supply accessibility leads to significant nursing time wastage.
• Lean methodologies offer potential solutions for improving ED operational efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and reduce nursing time lost retrieving supplies in the ED.
• To implement and evaluate Lean process controls for supply management.
• To enhance overall ED efficiency through optimized supply accessibility.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study design was employed, comparing "before and after" scenarios.
• Emergency department nurses were observed during entire shifts to record time spent outside patient rooms for supplies.
• A point-of-use storage system was implemented as a Lean process intervention.

Main Results:

• Baseline median of nurses leaving patient rooms: 11 times per 8-hour shift (IQR, 8) and 10 times per 12-hour shift (IQR, 23).
• Post-implementation median: 2.5 times per 8-hour shift (IQR, 2) and 1 time per 12-hour shift (IQR, 1).
• Significant reduction in supply-related excursions from patient rooms observed.

Conclusions:

• A redesigned supply process with standardized, point-of-use stocking substantially decreases nurse searches for essential items.
• Lean process controls effectively minimize wasted nursing time in the ED.
• Optimized supply management directly contributes to improved ED workflow and patient care.