Achieving rapid and significant results in healthcare services by using the theory of constraints

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2022

Autores

Bacelar Silva, GM (Autor) Outra; Cox, JF (Autor) Outra; Pedro Pereira Rodrigues (Autor) FMUP

Revista

Título: Health Systems

Páginas: 1-14

ISSN: 2047-6965

Editora: Taylor & Francis

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus - 0 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00X-3TH

DOI: 10.1080/20476965.2022.2115408

Abstract (EN): Lack of timeliness and capacity are seen as fundamental problems that jeopardise healthcare delivery systems everywhere. Many believe the shortage of medical providers is causing this timeliness problem. This action research presents how one doctor implemented the theory of constraints (TOC) to improve the throughput (quantity of patients treated) of his ophthalmology imaging practice by 64% in a few weeks with little to no expense. The five focusing steps (5FS) guided the TOC implementation - which included the drum-buffer-rope scheduling and buffer management - and occurred in a matter of days. The implementation provided significant bottom-line results almost immediately. This article explains each step of the 5FS in general terms followed by specific applications to healthcare services, as well as the detailed use in this action research. Although TOC successfully addressed the practice problems, this implementation was not sustained after the TOC champion left the organisation. However, this drawback provided valuable knowledge. The article provides insightful knowledge to help readers implement TOC in their environments to provide immediate and significant results at little to no expense.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 14