Streamlining of patient discharge and intra-hospital transfer processes using Lean methodology

Introduction: The application of Lean methodology in the hospital environment can help to improve interprofessional communication and reduce non -value adding activities (waste). Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the implementation of a visual management tool, in the ability to reduce the number of trips, to determine the location of patients in real time in the process of intra-hospital transfers (ITH) and discharges in a hospital. Material and methods: Before -after study in a hospital internal medicine unit. Several time wastes due to unnecessary transfers were detected. A multiprofessional group was formed to design a visual management tool for the resolution of these identified problems. The opinion of the professionals on the tool was evaluated and variables of staff displacement and completion of the tool were measured before and after its implementation. Results: The personnel involved was trained. Completion of the tool improved over time, both in HIT and in discharges, reducing the number of trips. Conclusions: The application of a visual management tool in care processes, including all the personnel involved is effective and saves waste. (c) 2023 FECA. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.