Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve the discharge process in a Brazilian intensive care unit

Metodologia Lean Seis Sigma para melhoria do processo de alta em uma unidade de terapia intensiva

Metodología Lean Six Sigma para mejorar el proceso de alta en una unidad de cuidados intensivos

ABSTRACT

Objectives:

to describe the Lean Six Sigma implementation process to improve the discharge process in a Brazilian health institution’s ICU.

Methods:

prospective study following the Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control project development method. This method consists of five phases, namely: project definition, measurement of the starting point and data collection, analysis of results, improvement in processes, and statistical control.

Results:

applying Lean Six Sigma methodology following the Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control in the discharge process from the intensive care unit to the inpatient unit was effective in improving processes. This improvement represented a reduction in the mean patient transfer time to the inpatient unit from 189 minutes to 75 minutes, representing a 61% improvement in discharge time.

Conclusions:

this article demonstrates the effectiveness of applying Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve the discharge flow in a critical unit, resulting in time and waste reduction.

Descriptors:
Total Quality Management; Patient Discharge; Intensive Care Units; Workflow; Health Services Administration