Jessica Z Sugianto1, Brian Stewart2, Josephine M Ambruzs1, Amanda Arista3, Jason Y Park1, Sandy Cope-Yokoyama1, Hung S Luu4. 1. Department of Pathology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas. 2. Department of Pathology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. 3. Department of Pathology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. 4. Department of Pathology, Children's Medical Center, Dallas, Texas University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dallas, Texas Hung.Luu@childrens.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To implement Lean principles to accommodate expanding volumes of gastrointestinal biopsies and to improve laboratory processes overall. DESIGN: Our continuous improvement (kaizen) project analyzed the current state for gastrointestinal biopsy handling using value-stream mapping for specimens obtained at a 487-bed tertiary care pediatric hospital in Dallas, Texas. We identified non-value-added time within the workflow process, from receipt of the specimen in the histology laboratory to the delivery of slides and paperwork to the pathologist. To eliminate non-value-added steps, we implemented the changes depicted in a revised-state value-stream map. RESULTS: Current-state value-stream mapping identified a total specimen processing time of 507 minutes, of which 358 minutes were non-value-added. This translated to a process cycle efficiency of 29%. Implementation of a revised-state value stream resulted in a total process time reduction to 238 minutes, of which 89 minutes were non-value-added, and an improved process cycle efficiency of 63%. CONCLUSIONS: Lean production principles of continuous improvement and waste elimination can be successfully implemented within the clinical laboratory.
OBJECTIVES: To implement Lean principles to accommodate expanding volumes of gastrointestinal biopsies and to improve laboratory processes overall. DESIGN: Our continuous improvement (kaizen) project analyzed the current state for gastrointestinal biopsy handling using value-stream mapping for specimens obtained at a 487-bed tertiary care pediatric hospital in Dallas, Texas. We identified non-value-added time within the workflow process, from receipt of the specimen in the histology laboratory to the delivery of slides and paperwork to the pathologist. To eliminate non-value-added steps, we implemented the changes depicted in a revised-state value-stream map. RESULTS: Current-state value-stream mapping identified a total specimen processing time of 507 minutes, of which 358 minutes were non-value-added. This translated to a process cycle efficiency of 29%. Implementation of a revised-state value stream resulted in a total process time reduction to 238 minutes, of which 89 minutes were non-value-added, and an improved process cycle efficiency of 63%. CONCLUSIONS: Lean production principles of continuous improvement and waste elimination can be successfully implemented within the clinical laboratory.
Authors: Juan A Marin-Garcia; Pilar I Vidal-Carreras; Julio J Garcia-Sabater Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-22 Impact factor: 3.390