Integrating Lean Exploration Loops Into Healthcare Facility Design

Area of Science:

• Healthcare design and operations
• Lean management principles
• Process improvement in construction

Background:

• Case study of a large academic hospital's surgical tower design.
• Inclusion of 19 operating rooms (ORs) and associated support spaces.
• Request for Lean practitioners' support by project leadership.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the value of Lean methodologies during the schematic design phase.
• To provide enhanced resources and support to project leadership and architectural teams.
• To integrate Lean principles into the early stages of healthcare facility design.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Lean Exploration Loops (LELs) for evidence generation.
• Conducted express workouts (EWOs) during the schematic phase.
• Focused analysis on the flow of patients, staff, and families within the facility design.

Main Results:

• Recommendations for critical design features, including pre- and post-operative bay configurations and sterile core areas.
• Proposed two-sided pre- and post-op bays with distinct clinical and transport corridors.
• Suggested dedicated elevators and stairwells for staff to manage peak usage and improve circulation.

Conclusions:

• Lean tools and methods are most valuable in the schematic phase when applied to detailed process and layout analysis.
• Express workouts (EWOs) are effective for generating decision-making evidence.
• Lean integration enhances the design of healthcare facilities for improved functionality and efficiency.