Outcomes of managing healthcare services using the Theory of Constraints: A systematic review

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Bacelar Silva, GM (Author) Other; Cox, JF (Author) Other; Pedro Pereira Rodrigues (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Health Systems

Pages: 1-16

ISSN: 2047-6965

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 3 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-VXP

DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2020.1813056

Abstract (EN): Despite ever-increasing resources devoted to healthcare, lack of capacity and timeliness are still chronic problems worldwide. This systematic review aims to present an overview of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) implementations in healthcare services and their outcomes. We analysed 42 TOC implementations (15 full-text articles, 12 video proceedings, and 2 theses/disserations) from major scientific electronic databases and TOC International Certification Organization Conferences. All implementations reported positive outcomes, both tangible and intangible. The two main improvements reported by authors were in productivity (98%; n = 41) - more patients treated - and in the timeliness of care (83%; n = 35). Furthermore, the selected studies reported dramatic improvements: 50% mean reductions in patient waiting time; 38% reduction in patient length of stay; 43% mean increase in operating room productivity and 34% mean increase in throughput. TOC implementations attained positive results in all levels of the health and social care chain. Most TOC recommendations and changes showed almost immediate results and required little or no additional cost to implement. Evidence supports TOC as a promising solution for the chronic healthcare problem, improving quality and timeliness, both necessary conditions for providing effective healthcare.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16