Andy Maun´s research

Does science-based care process remodelling lead to more effectiveness and efficiency in Primary Health Care Centres?

Background
Science-based process remodelling (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma) has shown potential in fields such as emergency care and could produce a more cost-effective, high-accessible and sustainable system with high quality of care in Primary Health Care. 

Aim
The objective is to study whether participative remodelling of processes in a Primary Healthcare Centre can improve efficiency, treatment outcomes (effectiveness) and patient safety, support work team development and create a culture of continuous improvement.

Methods
1) The Primary Healthcare Centre work team developed a structured patient sorting system aiming to make the most efficient use of personnel. The effects on the access rate under a 12-month period were evaluated.
2) Qualitative interviews to explore and analyse work team members’ experiences after participative process remodelling.
3) Qualitative interviews to explore and analyse 20 Primary Healthcare Centre leaders’ strategies to handle changes in external and internal demands.
4) Time series analysis of treatment outcomes, logistic results, safety reports, staff and patient satisfaction in relation to improvement interventions in a Primary Healthcare Centre during three years.

Expected Findings
Identification of possible solutions for achieving greater effectiveness and efficiency in Primary Healthcare Centres and a better understanding of underlying success factors for the development of work teams and aculture of continuous improvement.

Read Andy´s article in Health Services Management Research

http://hsmr.rsmjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/23/4/166?etoc

Supervisor: Jörgen Thorn