A Simulation Model As A Lean Tool To Improve Patient Flow And Utilization of Resources In Kenya’s Public Hospitals: A Case Study of The Outpatient Department of Nyeri County Referral Hospital
Journal Title: IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE) - Year 2018, Vol 15, Issue 1
Abstract
Simulation model is descriptive in nature, and mimics characteristics of a real system offering a better understanding of the system performance. However, over the years, it has been adopted in hospitals for improving healthcare processes and optimizing resources, but it has not been linked directly to the concept of lean management. Despite public hospitals in Kenya focusing on improving structures, communication technologies and adopting modern medical equipment, they have lagged behind in improving patients’ preferences in relation to the care pathway processes and utilization of the available resources effectively. This paper reviews lean concept in healthcare, and how simulation can be adopted as a lean tool to improve patient flow in Kenya’s public hospitals using the case study of a public hospital. The main waste identified in the care pathway was long patient waiting times, where often, patients at consultation room one waited for 0.94hrs, while for the pediatric room, the patient waiting time was as long as 0.64 hrs before they could consult the clinical officers. In the laboratory, patients tended to wait for a period of 0.66 hrs before being tested. To address these shortcomings, several processes were re-engineered using simulation model with a view of optimizing patient flow processes and utilization of available resource. The re-engineered processes included centralization of cash payment points, adoption of adjustable a capacity system for clinical officers, and addition of more resources at specific cash payment points, which were linked to long waiting times. Moreover, re-engineering was proposed for the filtering rooms and the laboratory to improve the patient flow.
Authors and Affiliations
Ndolo S. N. , Muchiri P. N. , Pintelon L. , Chemweno P. K, Wakiru J.
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP437705
- DOI 10.9790/1684-1501041825.
- Views 72
- Downloads 0
Strengthening of R.C. Beams Using Different Techniques
Experimental program consisting of five reinforced concrete beams with dimensions 2200 mm length, 150 mm width, 200 mm depth and reinforced by 2 16 bottom RFT, 212 upper RFT and 58/m stirrups, were carried out to inve...
Study on Structural Failures and Remedial Measures
Structural failures are one of the important phenomena which should be very important to dealt with. Structural failures occur then and causing heavy damage to both property and human lives. Structural elements include b...
Skills and Competency Gaps Analysis of Motor Mechanics in the Informal Sector: A Case Study for Meru Township in Kenya
Motor vehicle mechanics in the informal sector (Jua Kali) have skills and competencies acquired through formal and informal training. However, the skills and levels of competencies of most mechanics can not be ascertaine...
Strength of CFST at Elevated Temperature
This paper deals the strength behavior of concrete filled steel tubes at elevated temperature. The main purpose of such a research is to figure out the significance of various structural parameters on the strength of CFS...
Stakeholder Knowledge of Sustainable Road Implementation In Buru Regency
Sustainable road development is an activity for the planning, implementation and use of environmentally friendly road construction products, efficient in resource use, low cost and with due consideration to the principle...