Investigating the application of lean tools in the design of healthcare facilities

Lean methods and tools are increasingly being implemented globally in the design of healthcare facilities, to eliminate waste and improve processes. The study of the implementation of Lean in the design of healthcare facilities in India is essential to identify the challenges in the Indian context and its benefits to the Indian healthcare industry. In this study, the methodology of Action Research was employed to optimize the design of outpatient units within the gynaecology departments of two hospitals in India. The methodology involved diagnosis, action planning, action taking, evaluating, and specifying learning. The research process began with a comprehensive literature review, which was followed by interviews conducted with various stakeholders to identify the existing problems. Based on the identified issues, the Lean tools of mistake-proofing, spaghetti diagram, BIM, and visual management were selected for implementation in the study. The intervention studies were performed in collaboration with firms that designed the two healthcare facilities. Mistake-proofing suggestions were made using tools like BIM and visual management to propose solutions that ensure safety, privacy, and efficient movement within outpatient departments. Spaghetti diagrams created using the software VisTABLE, were used to study user movements and quantitative analyses were performed to arrive at alternative layouts. Reduction in distance travelled, and avoidance of repeated movements over a path was achieved in these alternate layouts. The feedback from the design firms showed that these tools could be implemented during the design process and would minimize wasted efforts while enhancing the effectiveness of space.