Process flow improvement using value stream mapping to reduce waste and lead time in Malaysia healthcare

The implementation of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) method in healthcare institutions has started since the 1990s, mainly to fulfill the current need for an improved quality and efficiency in delivering services. However, the application of VSM in Malaysia healthcare institutions is still at an early stage. These institutions are under pressure to improve service quality and costs. Most of the healthcare institutions are facing an issue regarding long waiting time. Therefore, the intentions of this study are to investigate any process improvement that is currently being practiced by Healthcare Industry within Malaysia and reduce the waste and lead time in the process flow of patient by using VSM. VSM is one of the lean tools that can be used for process improvement in reducing both waste and lead time. Furthermore, VSM strengthens the analysis and provides clearer vision and plans by connecting all improvement methods in one figure. The study implemented a mixed method which includes distribution of questionnaires to explore the current practices on process improvement and observation process in order to reduce waste and also the lead time. The questionnaires were distributed to 141 respondents from the management team of healthcare industry in Malaysia. This study received 34% feedback through the survey of quantitative data. Results from quantitative data analysis shows that currently, 5S is the most applied process improvement practice in Malaysia healthcare industry. The results from the qualitative data showed that the waste and lead time in the process flow of patient are successfully reduced. The findings proposed that the healthcare should combine the process of registration with the blood and urine tests into one process, and also combine the process of check-up with the process of treatment. The number of staff remains the same. This study also suggests for the health centre to relocate the filing shelves to facilitate easier staff access, reorganize the layout of the clinic and relocate the room according to the process. These suggestions will improve the total lead time and reduced the cycle time and waste in the process flow for patient. The result of this study is significant for other healthcare as well who are looking for further insight to implement VSM in their process flow, and intended to reduce the waste occurred within their healthcare.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mphil

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Haron, Siti Haizatul Aishah

• RA Public aspects of medicine

Language dc:language

en