Lean-Oriented Layout Design of a Health Care Facility

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In this article, we propose a method that integrates systematic layout planning techniques to lean health care practices aided by multicriteria decision analysis that could be applied to reformulate the layout of health care facilities. METHODS: We analyze a high-variety sterilization unit of a large public hospital located in Brazil. The unit is currently implementing lean practices, and layout changes are required to provide more efficient materials and information flows. RESULTS: Traditional design of health care facilities is not aligned with lean implementation and its underlying practices and principles. We propose the integration of such approaches to enhance their benefit..