Laboratory Services
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is considering implementing recommendations made by three fourth-year students at the University of Windsor Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering as part of their capstone project. Ben de Mendonca, Josh Vandermeer and Andrew Phibbs, conducted an intensive examination of the system used by the emergency department to collect and label patient blood samples.
Susan F. South, senior consultant, ValuMetrix® Services and Jo Ann S. Hegarty, worldwide marketing director, ValuMetrix® Services provide a description of improvements in blood transfusion processing by applying lean concepts at 14 different laboratories in three different countries. Average savings per site was over $190,000 excluding savings associated with improved inventory management.
Industrial engineering undergraduates at North Dakota State University complete study to reduce stat laboratory tests turnaround time failures.
Using examples from several clinical lab redesigns, the sequence of steps utilized during a lean improvement effort are described.
Results of a hospitalwide specimen labeling lean project is discussed.
Four lean projects were performed: pharmacy, lab, outpatient clinic and telemetry unit. Each project was meticulously documented in the presentation. Pre- and post- metrics are included, as well as a discussion of sustainability.
Lean improvements within the radiology suite and laboratory workspace yield notable improvements. Project benefits are discussed.
Motivation is made for performing lean improvements within the lab.