Improving the service for patients receiving extracorporeal photopheresis using Lean principles.
The photopheresis unit where the authors work has seen an increased demand both locally and as an outreach service. A Lean assessment of the unit was undertaken to improve processing time and productivity, which in turn would improve the availability of treatment and improve patient care. The assessment indicated that there were excellent nursing standards and patient care; however, patient waiting times and treatment times were prolonged in comparison with other units. The unit reviewed the patient pathway and identified where delays occurred and consequently changed patient scheduling.
Specialist nurse in Photopheresis, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
Cherie
C
Rushton
Specialist Nurse in Photopheresis, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
Leeah
L
Robertson
Photopheresis/Pathology Clinical Services Manager, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
Tracie
T
Taylor
Consultant in Photopheresis, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
Peter
P
Taylor
Managing Director, ProcEx Solutions Ltd.
Paul
P
Button
Consultant in Photopheresis, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust.
Arun
A
Alfred
D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D006801:Humans; D017893:Photopheresis / Q000451:nursing*; D058996:Quality Improvement; D013997:Time Factors
Assessment; Extracorporeal photopheresis; Lean; Scheduling; Service improvement