Application of Lean Thinking to Improve Patient Discharge Process in Male Orthopedics Ward 2,Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital

Abstract

An effective patient discharge process contributes to increased patient satisfaction, ensures appropriate and continuous care, and enhances hospital management efficiency. This development study aimed to improve the inpatient discharge process in Male Orthopedic Ward 2, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, through the application of Lean Thinking. The study population consisted of 19 staff members and activities related to the discharge process in the ward, conducted between April and June 2024. Data collection tools included a set of questions addressing problems, obstacles, and suggestions regarding the application of Lean to improve the discharge process, as well as a log sheet for recording the time spent on each activity post-implementation. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency and percentage, were used for data analysis. The results were as follows:

1. The improved discharge process using Lean methodology comprised 6 main activities and 14 sub-activities, compared to 22 sub-activities before the improvement.


2. The standard discharge time before the improvement was 225.17 minutes. After applying Lean principles, the standard time was reduced to 120.23 minutes—a total reduction of 104.94 minutes.

The implementation led to an increase in staff satisfaction from 75% to 90%, and patient satisfaction rose from 60% to 85%. Based on the success of the intervention, hospital and nursing administrators have adopted the study results as a basis for improving discharge processes in other disease groups using Lean Thinking.