Application of VSM as a Lean Tool in a Healthcare Facility

Abstract

The healthcare industry can be termed as one of the most important sectors of the economy. Healthcare industries are trying to adopt lean management principles in order to maintain quality service to patients, optimize workflow, and eliminate waste. Among the lean management tools, value stream mapping (VSM) is a key tool that uses a flowchart to depict, analyze, and improve the actions involved in the system. The aim of the study is to model the system through value stream mapping to identify wastes and non-value-adding activities in the processes so that the system can get rid of bottlenecks, constraints, and wastes. Sylhet Women’s Medical College Hospital is chosen to conduct the study. The necessary data are collected by interviewing employees and patients at outdoor and indoor departments, as well as by direct observation and going through previous records. eVSM software is used for creating current and future value stream maps. The total waiting time, processing time, and lead time of the processes of outdoor departments and diagnostic centers of the hospital are measured and improved over the existing system in the proposed model of the value stream map. Although the proposed model cannot be implemented, it is clear from this study that VSM can ensure smooth healthcare service and enhance performance.