Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study is to apply the 5S method, which is one of the lean management tools, to the patient monitoring form used in the intensive care unit, to eliminate the confusion in the patient file and to create a space where employees can work more regularly and efficiently by filling out forms, moving and eliminating paper waste. Method: The 5S method is a lean management technique used to eliminate waste. In this study, a methodology consisting of 10 steps was developed for the application of the 5S method, which was determined based on literature information. These steps are obtaining the support of senior management, introducing lean thinking to managers and healthcare professionals, determining the work area, creating a lean team, providing training to the lean team, performing gemba- genchi gembutsu, following the workflow through employee activity, identifying kaizen points, implementing lean tools, obtaining implementation results. Results: There were six patients in the intensive care unit. A patient follow-up form was used for each patient and six forms were also used for different follow-ups. A form of patient information, history, etc. writing (10 seconds) and repeating the movement of receiving and receiving forms, editing files distributed after the visit (15 seconds) wasting movement, form filling file layout a total of 121 seconds of time was wasted for one patient, 936 steps taken to get six forms of the patient from the locker, 42 forms used by six patients in one day were found to be a waste of paper. Result: As a result of the Kaizen study, time savings of 61.98%, movement (step) savings of 83.33% and paper savings of 85.71% were achieved. In addition, with the benefits of eliminating waste, it has been predicted that health workers will allow for more time to be allocated to patients in terms of effective and efficient care due to the reduced number of movements.

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