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- Talk
- Canada
Improving Access to Care by Implementing LEAN Methodology in a Pediatric Orthopaedic Clinic
Description
The presented research outlines the implementation of LEAN principles to enhance the efficiency of a pediatric orthopedic clinic. Ron El-Hawary acknowledges his co-authors and confirms that there are no relevant disclosures. The LEAN methodology, rooted in respect for individuals and waste elimination, was originally developed by Taiichi Ono in relation to the Toyota production system. The approach identifies common inefficiencies faced by both patients (such as scheduling delays and long waiting times) and clinic staff (overburdened paperwork and errors).
Through a multidisciplinary initiative, the team conducted a value stream analysis to map out the existing processes from patient referral to care discharge, allowing for targeted improvements. LEAN events, particularly four-day Kaizen sessions, focused on enhancing patient flow and scheduling efficiency, which led to standardized solutions that improved the overall patient experience.
From August 2017 to December 2013, the LEAN initiative achieved a significant 48% reduction in new patient waitlists and increased the percentage of new patients seen within target periods from 39% to 70%. Patient follow-up waitlists saw a 19% reduction, and average visit lengths decreased from 71 minutes to 60 minutes, marking a 15% improvement.
The results indicate that despite no additional resources being allocated, the LEAN initiative effectively enhanced patient access to care and promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the clinic. The team continues to utilize LEAN tools to identify further opportunities for system enhancements, anticipating additional future improvements.