Case Studies

Lean Healthcare: Emergency Department

Lean Healthcare

Problem

Patients were not receiving timely care because ambulances were being diverted to other hospitals as a result of ED overcrowding.

Solution

The Lean team developed a Process Map (VSAPsm) of the flow through the ED which Identified bottlenecks in the ED and supporting processes. Lean tools and philosophies were used to eliminate those bottlenecks and improve throughput.

Results (First year of implementation)

  • 25% decrease in length of ED stay
  • 80% decrease in yellow diverts
  • 90% decrease in red diverts
  • 50% decrease in patient wait time for an EKG
  • 50% decrease in time from Bed Request to Patient in Bed
  • No need to add more beds, expand, or renovate