Otimização do processo de realização de exames diagnósticos: identificação de metodologia baseada em Lean Healthcare

OBJECTIVES: To identify gaps in the process of performing diagnostic tests in a healthcare unit (primary) and propose an appropriate methodology to improve this process (secondary). METHOD: A descriptive and qualitative study was carried out in a university hospital in Salvador, Bahia. After applying an anonymous online instrument to healthcare managers involved in performing diagnostic tests, the data were correlated with current information on the Lean Healthcare methodology to define and propose the tool. RESULTS: Six healthcare managers participated. Two thematic substages were defined: “Managers’ view of the process for performing diagnostic tests” and “Association between information collected from managers and current data in the literature”. After evaluating the Lean Healthcare tools and the association with the categories listed from the managers’ responses, the one that best correlated with the challenge of organizing the process for performing diagnostic tests was “Kamishibai”. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The identification of Kamishibai as a methodology to improve the execution of diagnostic exams was based on the literature review and the gaps in the current process (communication failures; inadequate application of the exam request flow; quantity and actual indication of exams; inadequate physical structure and reduced support staff).