Abstract

Extreme Makeover in a health center: LEAN methodology applied to clinical practice

Part of Special Series: WONCA World Rural Health Conference Abstracts 2022go to url

AUTHORS

name here
Maria João Nuno Lopes
1 GP

name here
Sofia Monteiro
2 Masters, Resident *

CORRESPONDENCE

*Mrs Sofia Monteiro

AFFILIATIONS

1, 2 Unidade Local de Saúde da Guarda, Guarda, Portugal

PUBLISHED

10 January 2023 Volume 23 Issue 1

HISTORY

RECEIVED: 20 September 2022

ACCEPTED: 20 September 2022

CITATION

Nuno Lopes M, Monteiro S.  Extreme Makeover in a health center: LEAN methodology applied to clinical practice. Rural and Remote Health 2023; 23: 8176. https://doi.org/10.22605/RRH8176

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence

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abstract:

Introduction: The LEAN methodology is an integration of methods and tools developed in the 90s in the industrial sector. It aims to reduce waste (things that don’t add value to the final product), add worth and work towards continuous quality improvement.

Methods: LEAN tools to improve the clinical practice of a health center include:

  • 5S methodology: helps organize, clean, develop and maintain a productive work environment;
  • 'Spaghetti' diagram: displays the movement and distance that a given element has to travel throughout the entire process; and
  • Time and motion studies: measure the various times associated with the process and the associated motion.
  • Results: The LEAN methodology made it possible to manage space and time efficiently and optimally. There was a substantial reduction in both the time and number of trips for not only the health professionals but also for the patients.

    Discussion: Clinical practice should focus on the permission of continuous quality improvement. The LEAN methodology, through its different tools, generates an increase in productivity and profitability. It promotes teamwork through multidisciplinary teams and the empowerment and training of employees. The implementation of the LEAN methodology improved the practices and strengthened the team spirit based on everyone's participation, because the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

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    This PDF has been produced for your convenience. Always refer to the live site https://www.rrh.org.au/journal/article/8176 for the Version of Record.