Presentation
HE8 - LEAN Rural Healthcare: Improving Rural Critical Access Hospital Laboratory Workflow to Optimize Processes
DescriptionThe goal of this research was to analyze how improving laboratory workflow can help optimize the different laboratory processes at a rural critical access hospital in frontier-designated Montana. This project was conducted at the Ruby Valley Medical Center (RVMC) in Sheridan Montana. RVMC was experiencing multiple issues within their laboratory. These issues were Long turnaround time, late receiving samples, lost samples, compromised samples from delay, and excessive travel time. Not only do these issues lead to the need for rework samples or tests, they also lead to patient dissatisfaction. This points to the fact that human factors can impact more than the worker. Through using Lean methodologies and Laboratory best practices, an updated laboratory layout was created that helped eliminate or minimize the previously stated problems.
The key takeaways that were found were importance of workflow optimization, lean methodologies, laboratory best practices, and the case study. The optimization of workflows are critical within healthcare institutions. Inefficient workflows not only impact operational efficiency, but can also cost the laboratory due to tests needing to be reworked. Next up is Lean Methodologies. By implementing Lean methodologies, RVMC was able to identify and eliminate waste, streamline the workflow, and enhance the efficiency of the processes. While the laboratory at RVMC was on a smaller scale, these Lean principles can be applied to other laboratory and healthcare settings. This project also incorporated laboratory best practices which help emphasize the value of industry standards and guidelines in achieving quality results. These practices are helpful in helping the laboratory stay within compliance. Finally, the RVMC case study can serve as a practical example on how principles of Lean methodologies can be applied to a real-world healthcare setting and produce positive results.
By implementing and adopting these strategies and key takeaways, this project can demonstrate the potential for improvements in the efficiency and overall quality of laboratory services within our healthcare institutions.
The key takeaways that were found were importance of workflow optimization, lean methodologies, laboratory best practices, and the case study. The optimization of workflows are critical within healthcare institutions. Inefficient workflows not only impact operational efficiency, but can also cost the laboratory due to tests needing to be reworked. Next up is Lean Methodologies. By implementing Lean methodologies, RVMC was able to identify and eliminate waste, streamline the workflow, and enhance the efficiency of the processes. While the laboratory at RVMC was on a smaller scale, these Lean principles can be applied to other laboratory and healthcare settings. This project also incorporated laboratory best practices which help emphasize the value of industry standards and guidelines in achieving quality results. These practices are helpful in helping the laboratory stay within compliance. Finally, the RVMC case study can serve as a practical example on how principles of Lean methodologies can be applied to a real-world healthcare setting and produce positive results.
By implementing and adopting these strategies and key takeaways, this project can demonstrate the potential for improvements in the efficiency and overall quality of laboratory services within our healthcare institutions.
Event Type
Poster Presentation
TimeTuesday, March 264:45pm - 6:15pm CDT
LocationSalon C
Digital Health
Simulation and Education
Hospital Environments
Medical and Drug Delivery Devices
Patient Safety Research and Initiatives