Enhancing Operating Room Efficiency in a Tertiary Care Hospital Using Lean Management

Abstract

Background: Operating Rooms are complex departments in a hospital that require proper management to ensure efficiency. Lean management is known to eliminate waste and increase productivity and patient satisfaction. When the hospital faces financial difficulties the matter becomes more urgent. Fixing broken processes would enhance patient and staff satisfaction Methodology: This intervention research was done in a tertiary care operating room hospital in Lebanon. A multidisciplinary medical, nursing and quality representatives studied the root causes of problems and took appropriate actions. The advancement was measured by performance indicators over the period of 6 months. Results: The process re-design resulted in a major improvement of all indicators. Patients were better satisfied, and the flow of work become smoother. Conclusion: Lean Management increased OR efficiency, workflow, financial performance and patient satisfaction. Process re-design to reduce waste and ease work has resulted in a win-win situation for all stakeholders. More time is needed to achieve high level of performance. These results can be utilized to other areas of the hospital.