Using value stream mapping to improve processes in a urology department.

Abstract

In order to realise the healthcare delivery goals of access, quality and value, it is necessary to examine existing processes to identify opportunities to redesign them and incorporate ICT (information communication technologies) to enable effective and efficient processes that do facilitate the delivery of superior healthcare. Value stream mapping technique can be used in identifying wastes in the process for elimination so as to improve overall efficiency and throughput. The following discusses this in the context of a urology clinic at a large hospital in the MidWest, USA.