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An Enhanced Kaizen Event in a Sterile Processing Department of a Rural Hospital: A Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • Valentina Nino

    (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA)

  • David Claudio

    (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA)

  • Leonardo Valladares

    (Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA)

  • Sean Harris

    (Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA)

Abstract

Operating Rooms (ORs) generate the largest revenues and losses in a hospital. Without the prompt supply of sterile surgical trays from the Sterile Processing Department (SPD), the OR would not be able to perform surgeries to its busy schedule. Nevertheless, little emphasis has been brought in the medical literature to research on surgical instrument processing in the medical literature. The present study was done applies an Enhanced Kaizen Event (EKE) in the SPD of a rural hospital to identify sources of waste and minimize non-value-added steps in the SPD processes. The EKE consisted of three successive Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles, which focused on improvements at the departmental level first, then at an area level, and finally at the station level. The EKE yielded an improved streamlined workflow and a new design for the SPD layout, one of its areas, and a workstation. This paper aims at building a methodology, including identified steps. Results exhibited a 35% reduction in travel distance by the staff, eliminating non-value-added processes, reducing errors in the sterilization process, and eliminating cross-contamination for sterilized materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentina Nino & David Claudio & Leonardo Valladares & Sean Harris, 2020. "An Enhanced Kaizen Event in a Sterile Processing Department of a Rural Hospital: A Case Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:8748-:d:450736
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    References listed on IDEAS

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