Title: An axiomatic design-based approach for the patient-value-oriented design of a sustainable Lean healthcare system

Authors: Dominik T. Matt; Erwin Rauch; Vittorio M. Franzellin

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy ' Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy ' Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Universitätsplatz 5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Abstract: The global healthcare expenditures have grown steadily in the last decades. However, this spending is not reflected in significant healthcare improvements due to obvious inefficiencies in processes and resource consumption. To stop and reverse this unhealthy trend, a completely new approach is needed to sustainably improve healthcare services in terms of costs, response times, service quality, and resource utilisation. To address this, an integrated target system was developed and top-down decomposed using the axiomatic design method in order to comprehensively redesign healthcare organisation starting from a strict patient value focus. This methodology was chosen because it provides a systematic mapping procedure for the design of large and complex systems. The mapping was accomplished within a regional health system, involving healthcare experts from the medical, nursing and administrative areas. Results prove that the method yields a clear system view and is useful when it comes to systematically improving healthcare operational processes.

Keywords: axiomatic design; lean healthcare; patient value oriented design; healthcare expenditure; resource consumption; resources; healthcare services; health sector; healthcare industry; costs; response times; service quality; resource utilisation; procurement management; integrated target systems; top-down decomposition; systematic mapping procedures; complex systems; regional health systems; eco-friendly; environmentally friendly; sustainability; environment friendly; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPM.2015.066288

International Journal of Procurement Management, 2015 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.66 - 81

Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

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