Effektivisering av medicinska laboratorier
LogistikHälso- och sjukvårdSlöserireduceringFlödesffektiviseringFlödeskapacitetLeanMedicinska laboratorier.
Background ? The last 20 years healthcare has been facing increased demands on efficiency and increased customer satisfaction. This despite reduced resources and increasing demand. These demands are presents in all departments within healthcare organisations, including medical laboratories that currently receive an ever-increasing number of remittances. Laboratory flows are quickly becoming overloaded with samples and related materials. According to research, this can be facilitated by the means of a logistic approach.Purpose ? The purpose of this study is to facilitate the work of medical laboratories by:Analysing how medical laboratory flows can improve efficiency with the help of a logistic approach. To fulfill the purpose were two issues presented, these are as follows:How can medical laboratory flows be smoothened out, when the inflow is uncertain?What types of waste can be identified in medical laboratory flows, and how can these be addressed?Method ? A case study was performed at the pathology laboratory at Länssjukhuset Ryhov in Jönköping to facilitate the collection of empirical data for the study. The empirical data were analysed using the theory of improved efficiency according to logistics, this theory was obtained through a literature review.Results and conclusions ? The results demonstrate that by using a logistic approach can multiple improvement opportunities and wastage be identified and addressed. With the help of tools and philosophies in logistics laboratory flows can be smoothened out and get an increased capacity by minimizing the variation of the internal processes. The identified wastes are addressed by applying already developed methods from the industrial field. The previously developed methods were adapted to fit medical laboratories and were the basis for the study's proposed actions.Recommendations ? The authors' recommended actions for medical laboratories follows below. However, it should be taken into consideration of that the recommendations is case-specific, but are also generalisable to the extent that the conditions in medical laboratories are similar.? Increase communication between the laboratory and other healthcare units.? Redistribute the human resources between stations to optimize the flow capacity and reduce internal variations.? Increase work with 5S and improvement activities to facilitate the daily work.? Utilize performance goals by using visual control together with creating involvement and participation.