Improvement of the efficiency of hospital care: a simulation-based approach

This article analyses the implementation of lean manufacturing tools integrated with industry 4.0 technologies, specifically with the discrete event simulation, to improve the operational performance of hospital processes. This study applied a quantitative and experimental methodological approach to the implementation of lean healthcare (LH) to reduce waste. Thus, statistical and scenario modelling tools called ExpertFit and Experimenter are employed using FlexSim software in the healthcare environment. Here, a detailed diagnosis of critical processes is performed, with emphasis on identifying bottlenecks in patient weighing, triage and surgery. The results reveal significant limitations in the responsiveness of the system to sudden increases in demand. The simulation model then proposes a structural intervention involving the addition of four nurses and three doctors. This reveals a potential increase in operational efficiency of up to 36.8% over the projected demand. Finally, this study highlights the relevance of the methodological integration of LH as a strategy for the systematic elimination of waste and the promotion of a culture of continuous improvement in decision-making. This multidimensional approach provides a transferable analytical framework for both academic researchers and healthcare professionals, contributing to the development of more efficient and adaptable hospital management models.