The use and application of Lean Management methods to research processes-a scoping review protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Waste in medical research is a relatively well-known issue. However, only a few initiatives exist to address this issue. Lean Management methods (Lean) were developed in industrial manufacturing and later applied within healthcare improvement. Overall, the results from studies of the application of Lean to healthcare appear to be positive in terms of greater efficiency regarding treatment outcomes and patient care. Nevertheless, the application of Lean to improve research processes is not well studied and, given that research alongside clinical practice and experiential knowledge provides the foundation for the treatment and care of patients, it is paramount to identify approaches and review the degree to which they increase efficiency within research procedures. Therefore, this review will scope the landscape of studies that investigated Lean and how to implement Lean in research processes, particularly regarding healthcare research. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Our approach follows the methodological framework of Arksey and O'Malley for conducting scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy for this scoping review was developed using the PCC model. We will identify the relevant literature by searching four search databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier and Business Source Complete. Next, we will use citation pearl growing to identify all relevant published literature. The data charting process will follow the PRISMA-ScR checklist and will be organised using NVivo. We will generate qualitative and quantitative assessments of the extracted data by using NVivo, RStudio and Excel. We will follow the PRISMA-ScR guideline when reporting the results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The review will comprise existing published studies and no primary data will be collected. Our findings will be shared through open access peer-reviewed journals, national and international conferences and emails to all relevant collaborative relationships. We plan to disseminate our findings via academic social media platforms, newspaper articles and blogposts.

Lean methodology: contributions to improving work processes in health and nursing.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the contributions of applying the Lean methodology to improve work processes in health and nursing and its impact on associated financial aspects. METHOD: an integrative review, carried out in six databases, whose sample of ten (100.0%) studies was analyzed and summarized descriptively. RESULTS: the outcomes obtained were stratified into: benefits/barriers to Lean Healthcare implementation; economic aspects involving Lean Healthcare implementation; and process improvements through Lean Healthcare implementation. The majority of studies (60.0%) were carried out in university hospitals, contexts that need to continually improve the quality of services provided, generally with scarce and limited resources, which support the viability of maintaining the teaching, research and extension tripod. CONCLUSION: three (30.0%) studies highlighted the financial aspects associated with Lean methodology application. The others only mentioned the possibility of financial gains through improving processes and reducing waste.

Pioneering the Use of Tracker Data to Evaluate Lean-Led Hospital Design.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine how we can effectively and affordably evaluate the impact of design concepts such as Lean-Led Hospital Design (LLHD) on the allocation of nurses' time spent at different locations. Particularly in patient rooms, as this can be seen as value-adding time. BACKGROUND: LLHD aims to create a hospital environment that supports value creation for patients and reduces waste. However, only a few studies measure its' effects. One of the reasons for this absence is the lack of an adequate and affordable way to evaluate. METHOD: Nurses' time spent in patient rooms was used as a proxy for value-adding time. Through studying a pioneering case of LLHD, and drawing on a pre-/postoccupancy evaluation approach, this study used an innovative methodology utilizing mobile tracking devices to adequately provide reliable data about the time nurses spend at specific locations. RESULTS: Our analysis reveals that the answer to the question concerning the impact of LLHD, as advocated by its proponents, on nurses' allocation of time for value-adding activities versus waste time remains inconclusive. Our findings indicate no discernible difference in the amount of value-adding time nurses spent in the old facility compared to the new one. CONCLUSION: Our experience suggests that mobile tracking devices offer an affordable, efficient means of collecting data that produces objective measurements. Nevertheless, the interpretation of this time-based data necessitates the inclusion of supplementary qualitative information.

Application of a six sigma model to evaluate the analytical performance of cerebrospinal fluid biochemical analytes and the design of quality control strategies for these assays: A single-centre study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we applied a six sigma model to examine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical analytes for the first time. Our goal was to evaluate the analytical performance of various CSF biochemical analytes, design an optimized internal quality control (IQC) strategy, and formulate scientific and reasonable improvement plans. METHODS: The sigma values of CSF total protein (CSF-TP), albumin (CSF-ALB), chloride (CSF-Cl), and glucose (CSF-GLU) were calculated using the following formula: sigma = [TEa(%)-|bias(%)|]/CV(%). The analytical performance of each analyte was shown using a normalized sigma method decision chart. Individualized IQC schemes and improvement protocols for CSF biochemical analytes were formulated using the Westgard sigma rule flow chart with batch size and quality goal index (QGI). RESULTS: The distribution of sigma values for CSF biochemical analytes ranged from 5.0 to 9.9, and the sigma values varied for different concentrations of the same analyte. The analytical performance of the CSF assays at the two QC levels is displayed visually in normalized sigma method decision charts. Individualized IQC strategies for CSF biochemical analytes were as follows: for CSF-ALB, CSF-TP and CSF-Cl, use 13s with N = 2 and R = 1000; for CSF-GLU, use 13s/22s/R4s with N = 2 and R = 450. In addition, priority improvement measures for analytes with sigma values less than 6 (CSF-GLU) were formulated based on the QGI, and their analytical performance was improved after the corresponding improvement measures were taken. CONCLUSIONS: The six sigma model has significant advantages in practical applications involving CSF biochemical analytes and is highly useful for quality assurance and quality improvement.

Evaluation of analytical performance of homocysteine LC-MS/MS assay and design of internal quality control strategy.

OBJECTIVES: Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become a common technique in clinical laboratories in recent years. Because most methods are laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), their reproducibility and quality control (QC) have been controversial. In this study, Westgard Sigma Rules were used to evaluate the analytical performance and establish an individualised internal QC (IQC) strategy for these LDTs. METHODS: Taking the LC-MS/MS LDT method for homocysteine (Hcy) as an example, the 'desirable specifications' from the Biological Variation Database were used as quality goals. Based on the external quality assessment (EQA) samples, bias was calculated and the coefficient of variation (CV) was also calculated by IQC measurements for six consecutive months. The analytical performance was evaluated by calculated sigma metrics and an IQC strategy was designed using the Westgard Sigma Rules with run size. RESULTS: Over 116 days within 6 months, a total of 850 data points were collected for each of IQC 1 and IQC 2. The monthly coefficient of variation CV% was 2.57-4.01%, which was non-significant (p-value: 0.75). The absolute bias% for IQC1 and IQC2 was 1.23 and 1.87%, respectively. The allowable total error (TEa) was selected as 15.5%, Sigma metrics were 4.02 and 4.30, and the analytical performance was 'Good'. The 13s/22s/R4s/41s multi rules (n=4, r=1) with a run size of 200 samples were suggested for the Hcy IQC scheme. The quality goal index (QGI) values were over 1.2, indicating that trueness needed to be improved. CONCLUSIONS: The analytical performance of the Hcy LC-MS/MS LDT conformed to the Six Sigma rating level, achieving 'good' (four Sigma). Clinical practice indicated that calibration bias was the primary factor affecting trueness.

Performance specifications for sodium should not be based on biological variation.

When increasing the quality in clinical laboratories by decreasing measurement uncertainty, reliable methods are needed not only to quantify the performance of measuring systems, but also to set goals for the performance. Sigma metrics used in medical laboratories for documenting and expressing levels of performance, are evidently totally dependent on the "total permissible error" used in the formulas. Although the conventional biological variation (BV) based model for calculation of the permissible (or allowable) total error is commonly used, it has been shown to be flawed. Alternative methods are proposed, mainly also based on the within-subject BV. Measurement uncertainty models might offer an alternative to total error models. Defining the limits for analytical quality still poses a challenge in both models. The aim of the present paper is to critically discuss current methods for establishing performance specifications by using the measurement of sodium concentrations in plasma or serum. Sodium can be measured with high accuracy but fails by far to meet conventional performance specifications based on BV. Since the use of sodium concentrations is well established for supporting clinical care, we question the concept that quality criteria for sodium and similar analytes that are under strict homeostatic control are best set by biology.

Evaluación de la gestión de calidad de los servicios de Enfermería en un Centro de Restauración Neurológica / Evaluation of quality management of Nursing services at the International Center for Neurological Restoration

Introducción: La evaluación de la gestión de calidad de los servicios de Enfermería se perfila como una herramienta útil para trazar estrategias de mejora de los procesos organizacionales y satisfacer las necesidades del cliente. Objetivo: Evaluar la gestión de calidad de los servicios de Enfermería. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, de corte transversal, en el Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica, La Habana, en el año 2022. Participaron 60 enfermeras con 5 o más años de servicio, pertenecientes a los servicios lesiones estáticas, restauración biológica cerebral, atención a cubanos, lesiones raquimedulares, trastornos del movimiento y neurocirugía. Se aplicó una encuesta adaptada al contexto hospitalario basada en el Modelo Europeo de excelencia European Foundation for Quality Management. Se utilizó la media como medida de resumen. Se consideró la evaluación punto fuerte (aceptable) cuando el valor real alcanzado fue igual o superior al deseado y área de mejora (no aceptable) cuando el valor real no alcanzó el deseado. Resultados: La puntuación global fue de 977,88 de 1000 puntos que exige el Modelo. Se detectaron dos áreas de mejora a expensas de los criterios 3 (implicar los grupos de interés) y 5 (gestionar el funcionamiento y la transformación). Se evidenciaron puntos fuertes con énfasis en una cultura de calidad y elevada capacitación en los profesionales. Conclusión: La evaluación de gestión de la calidad en los servicios de Enfermería se considera aceptable. Los hallazgos obtenidos permiten plantearse acciones de mejora para fortalecer la calidad de la atención que se brinda a los clientes. La evaluación de la gestión de calidad en los servicios de enfermería es una estrategia metodológica útil para identificar errores y ayudar a identificar el camino hacia la excelencia(AU)

Introduction: The evaluation of quality management of Nursing services is emerging as a useful tool to outline strategies to improve organizational processes and meet customer needs, Objective: To evaluate the quality management of nursing services. Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, cross-sectional study at the International Center for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba, in the year 2022. Sixty nurses with 5 or more years of service, belonging to the services Static Injuries, Biological Brain Restoration, Care for Cubans, Rachimedullary Injuries, Movement Disorders and Neurosurgery participated. A survey was applied, adapted to the hospital context based on the European Model of Excellence EFQM. The mean was used as a summary measure. The evaluation was considered a strong point (acceptable) when the actual value achieved was equal to or higher than the desired value, and an area for improvement (not acceptable) when the actual value did not reach the desired value. Results: The overall score was 977.88 out of 1000 points required by the Model. Two areas for improvement were detected at the expense of criteria 3 (involve stakeholders) and 5 (manage operation and transformation). Strengths were evidenced with emphasis on a culture of quality and high qualification of professionals. Conclusion: The evaluation of quality management in nursing services is considered acceptable(AU)

Pertinencia de la gestión de tecnología sanitaria para la seguridad y calidad en entornos hospitalarios / Pertinence of the health technology management for the safety and quality of hospital environments

Introducción: La gestión tecnológica en el sector de la salud, clave para la innovación y la calidad de la atención médica, precisa de criterios confiables de efectividad y seguridad para su aplicación en un entorno asistencial hospitalario. Objetivo: Valorar la pertinencia de la gestión de tecnología sanitaria para la seguridad y la calidad asistencial en entornos hospitalarios. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en las bases de datos de ScienceDirect y SciELO y un estudio cualitativo exploratorio diseñado a partir de las opiniones recogidas en las entrevistas semiestructuradas que se aplicaron a una selección de profesionales de la salud con experiencia profesional y académica en dos organizaciones hospitalarias de Matanzas. Con la información obtenida se analizó la relevancia científica de los principales aspectos que se identificaron asociados a la relación gestión de tecnologías-seguridad y calidad. Resultados: La utilización, innovación y evaluación de las tecnologías, su influencia en la ocurrencia de errores humanos, el condicionamiento de las prácticas clínicas, terapéuticas y de restauración de la salud, y de entornos de cuidado de riesgo para los pacientes y el personal de trabajo fueron los criterios esbozados por los encuestados y delineados en correspondencia con la literatura científica. Conclusiones: El análisis temático y las opiniones de los encuestados coinciden en la importancia e impacto de la gestión de las tecnologías sanitarias en la seguridad y la calidad de la atención hospitalaria, la práctica asistencial y, la investigación(AU)

Introduction: Technological management in the health sector, that is a key for innovation and the quality of medical care, needs feasible effectiveness and safety criteria for its use in the care hospital environment. Objective: To evaluate the pertinence of the sanitary technology management for the care safety and quality in hospital environments. Methods: It was carried out a bibliographic review in ScienceDirect and SciELO databases, and a qualitative exploratory study that was designed from the opinions collected in the semi-structured interviews performed to a selection health workers with professional and scholar experience in two hospital organizations in Matanzas province. With the information collected, it was analyzed the scientific relevance of the main aspects that were identified as associated to the relation technologies management-safety and quality. Results: The use, innovation and assessment of technologies, their influence in the occurrence of human errors, the conditioning of clinical, therapeutic and health recovery practices, and of the environments for the risks care of patients and the health workers were the criteria stated by the respondents and those were in accordance with the scientific literature. Conclusions: The thematic analysis and the respondents' opinions coincide in the importance and impact of the heath technologies management in the safety an d quality of the hospital care, the care practice and research(AU)

Integrating moving average control procedures into the risk-based quality control plan in small-volume medical laboratories.

Introduction: The modern approach to quality control (QC) in medical laboratories implies the development of a risk-based control plan. This paper aims to develop a risk-based QC plan for a laboratory with a small daily testing volume and to integrate the already optimized moving average (MA) control procedures into this plan. Materials and methods: A multistage bracketed QC plan for ten clinical chemistry analytes was made using a Westgard QC frequency calculator. Previously, MA procedures were optimized by the bias detection simulation method. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase, HDL-cholesterol and potassium had patient-risk sigma metrics greater than 6, albumin and cholesterol greater than 5, creatinine, chlorides, calcium and total proteins between 4 and 5, and sodium less than 4. Based on the calculated run sizes and characteristics of optimized MA procedures, for 6 tests, it was possible to replace the monitoring QC procedure with an MA procedure. For the remaining 4 tests, it was necessary to keep the monitoring QC procedure and introduce MA control for added security. Conclusion: This study showed that even in a laboratory with a small volume of daily testing, it is possible to make a risk-based QC plan and integrate MA control procedures into that plan.

Calidad de la evaluación en estomatología en el período 2014-2021 / Quality of the evaluation in the dental medicine major in the period 2014-2021

Introducción: La ampliación de la matrícula en la carrera de estomatología y la apertura de nuevos escenarios docentes descentralizados han constituido un reto en la formación de los educandos. Con el ejercicio del examen estatal se certifica la competencia de los egresados. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de la evaluación final de la asignatura Atención integral a la población con los del examen ordinario estatal de la carrera de estomatología en los escenarios docentes descentralizados de Plaza de la Revolución. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación descriptiva y transversal de los resultados del examen ordinario estatal de la carrera de estomatología en el período 2014-2021, en los escenarios docentes descentralizados de Plaza de La Revolución. Los resultados finales se compararon con la nota final de la asignatura Atención integral a la población. Se trabajó con el universo de los estudiantes (161). Se utilizaron los números enteros y el porcentaje. Resultados: Los resultados de la asignatura Atención integral a la población fueron ligeramente superiores a los obtenidos en la prueba estatal. En ambos predominaron las calificaciones de alto rendimiento, para un 69,5 por ciento y un 57,1 por ciento respectivamente. Conclusiones: La calidad satisfactoria de los resultados docentes de los exámenes finales de Atención integral a la población y el estatal se mantuvieron con una tendencia a la mejoraría de las calificaciones de los últimos tres cursos(AU)

Introduction: An increase in the enrollment acceptance for the dental medicine major and the creation of new decentralized teaching settings have become challenges with respect to the training of students. The state examination certifies the competence of graduates. Objective: To compare the results of the final evaluation corresponding to the subject of Comprehensive Population Care with the results of the first call for the state examination corresponding to the dental medicine major in the context of decentralized teaching settings of Plaza de la Revolución Municipality, Havana, Cuba. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out with the results of the first call for the state examination corresponding to the dental medicine major in the period 2014-2021, in the context of decentralized teaching settings of Plaza de La Revolución Municipality. The final results were compared with the final scores corresponding to the subject of Comprehensive Population Care. The universe of students (161) were included. Integer numbers and percentages were used. Results: The results corresponding to the subject of Comprehensive Population Care were slightly higher than the results obtained in the state examination. Both were characterized by predominantly high performance scores, accounting for 69.5 percent and 57.1 percent, respectively. Conclusions: The satisfactory quality of the teaching results corresponding to the final exams for the subject of Comprehensive Population Care and the state examination maintained a tendency of improving scores in the last three academic years(AU)

Sigma metrics in laboratory medicine: A call for harmonization.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sigma metrics are applied in clinical laboratories to assess the quality of analytical processes. A parameter associated to a Sigma > 6 is considered "world class" whereas a Sigma < 3 is "poor" or "unacceptable". The aim of this retrospective study was to quantify the impact of different approaches for Sigma metrics calculation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two IQC levels of 20 different parameters were evaluated for a 12-month period. Sigma metrics were calculated using the formula: (allowable total error (TEa) (%) - bias (%))/(coefficient of variation (CV) (%)). Method precision was calculated monthly or annually. The bias was obtained from peer comparison program (PCP) or external quality assessment program (EQAP), and 9 different TEa sources were included. RESULTS: There was a substantial monthly variation of Sigma metrics for all combinations, with a median variation of 32% (IQR, 25.6-41.3%). Variation across multiple analyzers and IQC levels were also observed. Furthermore, TEa source had the highest impact on Sigma calculation with proportions of Sigma > 6 ranging from 17.5% to 84.4%. The nature of bias was less decisive. CONCLUSION: In absence of a clear consensus, we recommend that laboratories calculate Sigma metrics on a sufficiently long period of time (>6 months) and carefully evaluate the choice of TEa source.

Applying Lean Six Sigma to evidence-based practice projects.

Process improvement methodology minimizes barriers to implementing new knowledge.

Lean healthcare applied systematically in a medium-sized medical clinic hospitalization.

PURPOSE: The objective of this paper is to propose a systematic application of Lean Healthcare in the hospitalization activity in the medical clinic entry process. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The methodology used is established in three stages: the first aims to map the process in which the focus activity is inserted, using lean tools, as well as integrating the employees involved in the application. The second is the proposal to apply the systematic, together with the employees, using the A3 tool step by step. Finally, the third stage confirms the applied systematic, collecting the results and analyzing the initial situation with those reached. FINDINGS: As a result, improvements were made in the medical clinic entry process, such as reduced waiting time for patients, at approximately 53.8%, with a decrease in the standard deviation of the times - of approximately 79.14%, and displacement of those involved, of 72%, in addition to eliminating unnecessary activities for the process. Furthermore, the empirical results on the efficiency of this systemic application in medical clinic enable the replication of this proposal, generating a systematic. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Despite establishing a systematic proposal with real results, it is focused on only one application, due to time limitations, may generate a subjective evaluation of the systematic. Thus, for future research, it is recommended to expand this systemic application in other activities of different processes. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The practical implications of this paper are precisely related to the data obtained with the application made, developing a Lean Healthcare systematic not previously seen, which is strategic, systemic and has a roadmap to assist in its application and, in addition, brings with it practical results that prove their efficiency. SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The social implications of this paper are presented in its empirical results, considering that the study hospital serves, in addition to its host city, 28 other smaller municipalities around it, improving the flow of processes, ensuring better management of the clinic doctor. In addition, the results can assist the processes flow of other medical clinics in hospitals around the world, especially at critical moments, such as pandemics or epidemics. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Due to the positive results obtained in the systematic application, this paper fills a gap identified in the literature, proposing a systematic application of Lean Healthcare that is systemic and strategic, in addition to including a roadmap and analysis of data applied in a medium-sized Brazilian hospital, presenting positive practical results exposed in the paper.

Compromiso académico de los estudiantes de licenciatura en enfermería en condiciones de educación a distancia / Academic Commitment of Undergraduate Nursing Students in Distance Education Conditions

Introducción: La universidad virtual de salud ha tenido un papel relevante en estos tiempos de pandemia. Por la situación epidemiológica ocasionada por la COVID-19, varios sectores y ministerios se vieron obligados a la adopción de estrategias para cumplir con su misión en el nuevo escenario. La educación médica superior realiza la educación a distancia de sus estudiantes con el empleo de las tecnologías de la información, lo que demanda de ellos un compromiso y motivación adicionales. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de compromiso académico de los estudiantes de licenciatura en enfermería en condiciones de educación a distancia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, con un diseño metodológico mixto, de ejecución concurrente, en el período enero-marzo de 2021. De la población de 75 estudiantes del segundo año del curso regular diurno de Enfermería en Camagüey, se seleccionó una muestra por conveniencia de 48. Fueron aplicados como métodos empíricos: observación, Escala de Engagement Académico y la técnica Positivo, Negativo, Interesante. Se asumieron como dimensiones: vigor, dedicación y absorción. Para el análisis de los datos cuantitativos se empleó la distribución de frecuencias absolutas y porcentaje. Resultados: Del total de la muestra, 54,17 por ciento tenía alto nivel de compromiso. La dimensión vigor alcanzó 52,08 por ciento, dedicación 50,00 por ciento y absorción 43,75 por ciento. Se valoró el uso del tiempo disponible para cumplir otras actividades como la pesquisa activa. Conclusiones: Hubo un alto nivel de compromiso académico en la muestra. Esto favorece en condiciones de educación a distancia, la calidad de la formación integral y el cumplimiento de actividades variadas(AU)

Introduction: The virtual health university has played a relevant role in these pandemic times. Due to the epidemiological situation caused by COVID-19, several sectors and ministries were forced to adopt strategies to fulfill their mission in the new scenario. Higher medical education is provided by means of distance education for its students with the use of information technologies, which demands from them additional commitment and motivation. Objective: To identify the level of academic commitment of undergraduate nursing students under distance education conditions. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study of concurrent execution, with a mixed methodological design, carried out in the period from January to March 2021. From the population of 75 second-year students of the regular daytime Nursing course in Camagüey, a convenience sample of 48 was selected. The following empirical methods were applied: observation, academic engagement scale and the positive-negative-interesting technique. The following dimensions were assumed: enthusiasm, dedication and absorption. For the analysis of quantitative data, distribution of absolute frequencies and percentages was used. Results: Of the total sample, 54.17 percent had a high level of commitment. The dimension enthusiasms reached 52.08 percent , dedication 50.00 percent and absorption 43.75 percent . The use of available time to fulfill other activities such as active research was assessed. Conclusions: The sample showed a high level of academic commitment. This is favorable, in distance education conditions, for the quality of overall formation and the fulfillment of varied activities(AU)

From resilience to satisfaction: Defining supply chain solutions for agri-food SMEs through quality approach.

Since it is an important human need and many organizations are involved in the value chain, the agricultural food supply chain is exposed to various risks that arise naturally or through human actions. This study aims to develop the application of a quality function deployment approach to increase the resilience of the food supply chain by understanding customer needs and logistical risks in the food supply chain. In-depth studies with empirical analysis were conducted to determine the importance of customer needs, food supply chain risks, and actions to improve supply chain resilience of SMEs in the agri-food industry. The result shows that the top three customer needs are "attractive, bright color", "firm texture" and "fresh smell". The top three risks in the agri-food supply chain are "improper storage," "Harvest Failure" and "Human Resource Risks" and the top three resilience actions are "continuous training," "preventive maintenance," and "supply chain forecasting." The implications of this study are to propose an idea that broadens the perspective of supply chain resilience in the agri-food industry by incorporating the needs of customers in considering how to mitigate the existing risks to the satisfaction of customers, and it also highlights the relatively low skill and coordination of the workforce in agri-food supply chains.

Critical Success Factors for Addressing Discharge Inefficiency at a Large Academic Medical Center: A Lean Six Sigma Approach.

BACKGROUND: Delayed discharges can be a systemic issue. Understanding the systemic factors that contribute to discharge inefficiencies is essential to addressing discharge inefficiencies. PURPOSE: This article reports on a Lean Six Sigma approach and the process to identifying inefficiencies and systemic barriers to early discharge in a large US academic medical center. METHODS: A qualitative methodology guided this project. In particular, direct observation methods were used to help the project team identify factors contributing to discharge inefficiencies. RESULTS: Overall, findings suggest that establishing consistent multidisciplinary team communication processes was a contributing factor to reducing the inefficiencies around discharges. On a more granular level, key barriers included disparate communication systems, disruptors (specifically Kaizen bursts), and unique role challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This article provides a framework for addressing discharge inefficiencies. Because the output of the process, a critical contributor to the overall outcome, is often not analyzed, this analysis provides value to others contemplating the same or similar process toward discharge efficiency.

Application of HACCP for development of quality risk management in a water purification system

Abstract The present work reports the implementation of the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) methodology to analyze the water purification system of a pharmaceutical site, in order to assure the system quality and prevent failures. As a matter of fact, the use of HACCP for development and implementation of Quality Risk Management (QRM) is not usual in pharmaceutical plants and it is applied here to improve the performance of the water purification system of a polymerization pilot plant used to manufacture pharmaceutical grade polymer microparticles. Critical Control Points (CCP) were determined with the aid of a decision tree and questions were made to characterize whether identified hazards constitute actual CCPs and should be monitored. When deviations were detected, corrective actions were performed and action plans were used for following-up and implementation of corrective actions. Finally, microbiological and physicochemical parameters were analyzed and the obtained results were regarded as appropriate. Therefore, it is shown that HACCP constitutes an effective tool for identification of hazards, establishment of corrective actions and monitoring of the critical control points that impact the process and the quality of the final pharmaceutical product most significantly.

Fatores associados ao nível de segurança alimentar e nutricional no município e estado de São Paulo e no Brasil: uma análise dos resultados obtidos pela escala brasileira de insegurança alimentar / Food and nutritional security level associated factors in the city and state of São Paulo and in Brazil: an analysis of obtained results from the Brazilian food insecurity scale

A falta de segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN) consiste em um fenômeno multifatorial, que pode afetar o estado nutricional do indivíduo por ela acometido de diversas maneiras e em qualquer faixa etária. A falta de SAN pode desencadear tanto desnutrição, como obesidade e assim favorecer o aumento da prevalência de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, o que diminui a qualidade de vida e se constitui um importante problema de saúde pública. Objetivo: Analisar e comparar a força da associação dos fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos à segurança alimentar e nutricional (SAN) no Brasil e áreas geográficas selecionadas. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, transversal e analítico, que utilizou como base os microdados da Pesquisa de Orçamento Familiar (POF/IBGE), realizada nos anos de 2017-2018, envolvendo 757 famílias residentes no município de São Paulo (MSP), 3.406 famílias do estado de São Paulo (ESP) e 49.365 famílias do Brasil. Utilizou-se a técnica de regressão logística multinomial, do tipo ordinal, para o processamento do modelo de associação entre o nível de SAN (nSAN) e as variáveis demográficas, socioeconômicas e clínicas, utilizando o módulo survey do Stata versão 14. Adotouse o nível de significância estatística de 5% e o odds ratio proporcional para descrever as associações. Resultados: A grande maioria dos indivíduos de referência dos domicílios componentes da amostra é do sexo masculino, adulta, com obesidade, sem seguro saúde e que não fazem nenhum tipo de dieta, variando as características de raça/cor e escolaridade entre as três localidades analisadas. Para as três localidades estudadas, encontrou-se proporções elevadas da população com segurança alimentar e nutricional garantida (acima de 59%). As associações encontradas demonstraram que as famílias com pessoas de referência do sexo feminino apresentam maior chance de piora do nSAN, bem como aquelas com menores níveis de saneamento básico e estratos de renda mais pobres, para os quais a chance de piora do nSAN em relação aos estratos de renda mais ricos se eleva em até 12 vezes. Ser de raça branca foi fator protetor à IAN, bem como ter idade mais avançada e mais anos de escolaridade. Conclusão: As características sociodemográficas sexo, raçacor, idade e escolaridade, e socioeconômicas, renda e presença de saneamento básico, apresentam importante associação ao nível de SAN das famílias, quando este é analisado por meio da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar (EBIA). Entretanto, faz-se necessária a construção de um instrumento que avalie todas as dimensões da SAN

Lack of food and nutrition security (FNS) is a multifactorial phenomenon, which can impact the nutritional status of individual affected by it in different ways and in any age group. The lack of FNS can trigger both malnutrition and obesity and thus favor the prevalence increase of chronic non-communicable diseases, which reduces lifes quality and constitutes an important public health problem. Objective: To analyze and compare the strength of association of socioeconomic and demographic factors with FNS in Brazil and selected geographical areas. Methodology: Ecological, crosssectional, and analytical study, which used the microdata of the Research as a basis Family Budget (POF / IBGE), carried out in 2017-2018, involving 757 families residing in São Paulo city (SPC), 3,406 families from São Paulo state (SPS) and 49,365 families from Brazil. Multinomial logistic regression technique, of the ordinal type, was used to process the association model between the FNS level (FNSl) and the demographic, socioeconomic and clinical variables, using the survey module of Stata version 14. It was adopted statistical significance of 5% and proportional odds ratio to describe the associations. Results: Most reference individuals in the sample's households are male, adult, obese, without health insurance and who do not follow any type of diet, varying the characteristics of race / color and education between the three locations analyzed. For the three locations studied, high proportions of the population were found with guaranteed FNS (above 59%). Associations found showed that families headed by female individuals are more likely to worsen FNSl, as well as those with lower levels of basic sanitation and poorer income strata, for which the chance of worsening FNSl in relation to strata wealthier income rises to 12 times. Being white was a protective factor for food insecurity, as well as being older and with more years of schooling. Conclusion: Sociodemographic characteristics of sex, race-color, age and education, and socioeconomic, income and presence of basic sanitation, present important association at the FNSl of families, when this is analyzed through the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA). However, it is necessary to build an instrument that assesses all dimensions of the FNS

Incerteza de medição associada à contagem microbiana de produtos farmacêuticos / Measurement uncertainty associated with microbial count of pharmaceutical products

A contaminação microbiana pode comprometer a eficácia e a segurança dos produtos farmacêuticos. Os testes de contagem microbiana são utilizados para avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de produtos farmacêuticos não estéreis, exigidos pela maioria dos compêndios farmacopeicos. Apesar disso, raramente é considerada a avaliação da incerteza de medição para testes de contagem microbiana, o que pode levar a falsas decisões quanto à conformidade/nãoconformidade. Neste trabalho avaliamos os efeitos de matriz nos testes de contagem microbiana e sua avaliação de incerteza top-down, e avaliamos a incerteza da medição utilizando a abordagem bottom-up, além de que estimamos os riscos do consumidor ou do produtor devido à incerteza da medição. As incertezas combinada e expandida são calculadas empregando-se a abordagem topdown consideraram a exatidão (recuperação) e a precisão como os principais componentes de incerteza. O componente de incerteza da exatidão foi o mais relevante em 59% das amostras estudadas, enquanto a precisão foi a principal fonte de incerteza em apenas 41% das amostras, sendo observado que quanto maior a interferência da matriz, maior o fator de incerteza e, consequentemente, maior a assimetria para o intervalo em torno da medida. A partir da abordagem bottom-up, foram identificadas e quantificadas três principais fontes de incerteza: fator de diluição, volume plaqueado e contagem das placas. A contribuição dessas fontes de incerteza depende do valor medido da carga microbiana em produtos farmacêuticos, a contribuição do fator de diluição e das incertezas do volume plaqueado aumentam com o aumento do valor medido, enquanto a contribuição da contagem das placas diminui com o aumento do valor medido. Foi possível avaliar o risco de decisões falsas devido à incerteza de medição, por meio das estimativas dos riscos do consumidor ou do produtor. Os riscos foram avaliados utilizando-se o método Monte Carlo. Portanto, foi demonstrado a relevância da avaliação da incerteza de medição para garantir a confiabilidade dos resultados dos testes de contagem microbiana e a apoiar a tomada de decisões quando a avaliação da conformidade/não-conformidade dos produtos farmacêuticos não estéreis

Microbial contamination can compromise the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products. Microbial counting tests are used to assess the microbiological quality of non-sterile pharmaceutical products required by most pharmacopoeia compendiums. Despite this, measurement uncertainty assessment for microbial count tests is rarely considered, which can lead to false compliance/non-compliance decisions. In this work we evaluated the matrix effects on microbial counting tests and their top-down uncertainty assessment, and evaluated measurement uncertainty using the bottom-up approach, inaddition to estimating the consumer's or producer's risks due to measurement uncertainty. The combined and expanded uncertainties calculated using the top-down approach considered accuracy (recovery) and accuracy as the main components of uncertainty. The uncertainty component of accuracy was the most relevant in 59% of the samples studied, while accuracy was the main source of uncertainty in only 41% of the samples, being observed that the greater the interference of the matrix, the greater the uncertainty factor and, consequently, the greater the asymmetry for the interval around the measurement. From the bottom-up approach, three main sources of uncertainty were identified and quantified: dilution factor, platelet volume and plaque count. The contribution of these sources of uncertainty depends on the measured value of microbial load in pharmaceutical products, the contribution of the dilution factor and uncertainties of the plated volume increase with the increase in the measured value, while the contribution of plate counting decreases with the increase of the measured value. It was possible to assess the risk of false decisions due to measurement uncertainty by estimating consumer or producer risks. The risks were evaluated using the Monte Carlo method. Therefore, the relevance of measuring uncertainty assessment has been demonstrated to ensure the reliability of microbial count test results and to support decision-making when assessing non-sterile pharmaceutical conformity/non-compliance

Violencia laboral entre el personal de enfermería y su relación con la calidad del cuidado en hospitales públicos / Workplace Violence among Nursing Staff and Their Relationship with the Quality of Care in Public Hospitals

Introducción: La violencia laboral entre el personal de enfermería en hospitales constituye un problema de salud pública, afectando de manera indirecta la calidad del cuidado. Objetivo: Determinar la relación de violencia laboral entre el personal de enfermería y la calidad del cuidado en hospitales públicos. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo correlacional y transversal, realizado en dos hospitales públicos de México durante agosto y septiembre de 2017. La muestra fue de 161 enfermeros y 117 pacientes. Se utilizaron el Barómetro Cisneros y el Caring Assessment Instrument para medir las variables de interés; se obtuvieron medias, desviación estándar y frecuencias para datos descriptivos, el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman y coeficientes de Contingencia y Chi cuadrada para determinar la relación. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (85,70 por ciento), con una media de edad de 35,67 años, 45,90 por ciento), trabajaban en el turno nocturno, 79,40 por ciento), de los participantes refirió no haber experimentado violencia laboral, la evaluación inequitativa fue la estrategia de violencia laboral más frecuente. Respecto a los pacientes, más de la mitad reportó calidad en el cuidado. El Coeficiente de Correlación de Spearman no mostró significancia estadística (p > 0,05). Conclusión: El personal de enfermería no se encuentra familiarizado con la conceptualización de violencia laboral, por lo que es probable que la mayoría la haya experimentado y por temor a represalias, no la reportara(AU)

Introduction: Workplace violence among nursing personnel in hospitals constitutes a public health problem, indirectly affecting the quality of care. Objective: To determine the relationship of workplace violence among nursing staff and the quality of care in public hospitals. Methods: á Descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study was carried out in two public hospitals in Mexico from August to September 2017. The sample consisted of 161 nurses and 117 patients. We used Cisneros Barometer and the Caring Assessment Instrument to measure the variables of interest; means, standard deviation and frequencies were obtained for descriptive data, Spearman's correlation coefficient and Contingency coefficients and Chi squared to determine the relationship. Results: Female predominated (85.70 percent)), with a mean age of 35.67 years, 45.90 percent worked the night shift, 79.40 percent),),of the participants referred not having experienced workplace violence, inequitable evaluation was the most frequent workplace violence strategy. Regarding patients, more than 50 percent), reported quality of care. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient did not show statistical significance (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing staff are not familiar with the conceptualization of workplace violence, so it is likely that the majority have experienced it, but did not report it, for fear of reprisals(AU)