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

ABSTRACT: 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

SUBMITTER: Bacelar-Silva GM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10868449 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature