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Evaluation of System Modelling Techniques for Waste Identification in Lean Healthcare Applications
Maitha Alkaabi1, Mecit Can Emre Simsekler1, Raja Jayaraman1
1Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
|January 15, 2021
Summary
System modelling techniques (SMTs) and value stream maps (VSMs) aid lean healthcare waste identification. Combining these methods offers a comprehensive approach, though stakeholder experience with SMTs can be a challenge.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Industrial Engineering
- Operations Research
Background:
- Waste identification is crucial for lean healthcare.
- Value stream mapping (VSM) is a common tool but has limitations in visualizing complex healthcare systems.
- System modelling techniques (SMTs) offer potential for comprehensive waste identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the usability and utility of six system modelling techniques (SMTs) alongside value stream mapping (VSM) for waste identification in healthcare.
- To explore the potential contribution of SMTs in identifying system-wide wastes within healthcare processes.
Main Methods:
- A comparative evaluation of six SMTs and VSM was conducted.
- Interview-based questionnaires were administered to twelve stakeholders at an outpatient clinic.
- The study focused on waste identification within the Heart and Vascular Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Main Results:
- Value stream mapping (VSM) was generally found to be the most useful diagram for waste identification.
- Specific SMTs demonstrated superior performance in identifying particular waste types.
- Communication diagrams excelled at identifying over-processing waste, while flow diagrams were effective for transportation waste.
Conclusions:
- A combination of behavioral SMTs and VSM is recommended for comprehensive waste identification in lean healthcare due to their complementary strengths.
- Limited resources, time, and stakeholder familiarity with SMTs may hinder their widespread adoption in lean healthcare.
- Further research and training are needed to overcome obstacles and fully leverage SMTs in healthcare waste reduction.
Keywords:
healthcare operationskaizenlean healthcaresystem approachessystem modelling techniquesvalue stream mapwaste identificationMore Related Videos
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