Innovation in Delivery Room Medical Instrument Preparation: Integrating Lean and 7S for Parturient and Neonatal Safety
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
This academic article aims to synthesize a model for optimizing medical
instrument management in the delivery room by integrating Lean thinking and
the 7S. The objective is to address delays and discrepancies in the delivery of
life-saving tools.
This article highlights the proactive role of practical nurse in transforming routine
workload into a quality system through the strategy of "easy to retrieve, obvious
when missing, visually pleasing, and always safe." The synthesis of the new
workflow demonstrates that the processes of de-cluttering and systematic
sorting of the conventional system, visual management implementation, and
workflow optimization will enhance time efficiency, reduce clinical risks, increase
parturient and neonatal safety, and improve cost-effectiveness, while also
elevating the satisfaction and confidence of the multidisciplinary team.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The content and information presented in articles published in the Vajira Nursing Journal reflect the views and responsibilities of the authors exclusively. The editorial board does not necessarily agree with or share any responsibility for these views.
All articles, information, content, images, etc., published in the Vajira Nursing Journal are the copyright of the journal. Any individual or organization wishing to reproduce, disseminate, or use any part or entirety of the published material must obtain prior written permission from the Vajira Nursing Journal.
References
World Health Organization. Trends in maternal mortality 2000 to 2020: estimates by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group and UNDESA/Population Division. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
Strategy and Planning Division, Ministry of Public Health. Public Health Statistics A.D. 2022. Nonthaburi: Ministry of Public Health; 2023.
Ahmed S, Khan R, Zahoor H. Application of Lean Six Sigma to improve patient satisfaction and reduce material waste in post-pandemic healthcare. J Nurs Care Qual. 2023;37(3):210-222.
Patra KP, De Jesus O. Sentinel Event. [Updated 2023 Mar 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.
Escobar MF, Nassar AH, Theron G, Barnea ER, Nicholson W, Ramasauskaite D, et al. FIGO recommendations on the management of postpartum hemorrhage 2022. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;157 Suppl 1:3-50.
Williamsson A, Dellve L, Karltun A. Nurses' use of visual management in hospitals-A longitudinal, quantitative study on its implications on systems performance and working conditions. J Adv Nurs. 2019;75(4):760-771.
Lundin K, Engström M, Skytt B, Strömberg A, Silén M. Individual and unit level insights from hospital staff ratings on structural empowerment, leadership-management performance, well-being, and quality of care. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):1491.
Wang J, Lv H, Chen M, Liu C, Ren W, Jiang H, et al. A systematic review of lean implementation in hospitals: impact on efficiency, quality, cost, and satisfaction. Int J Health Policy Manag. 2025;14:8974.
McDermott O, Antony J, Bhat S, Jayaraman R, Rosa A, Marolla G, et al. Lean Six Sigma in healthcare: a systematic literature review on motivations and benefits. Processes. 2022;10(10):1910.
Natarus ME, Shaw A, Studer A, Williams C, Dominguez C, Mangual H, et al. Optimization of a sterile processing department using lean six sigma methodology, staffing enhancement, and capital investment. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2025;51(1):33-45.
Deressa MB, Beressa TB, Jemal A. Analysis of pharmaceuticals inventory management using ABC-VEN matrix analysis in selected health facilities of West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Integr Pharm Res Pract. 2022 Feb 25;11:47-59
Koc Z, Alpar SE. The effect of lean hospital practices on nurses' direct care activities: time and motion study. J Eval Clin Pract. 2025;31(1):e14278. doi: 10.1111/jep.14278.
Sallam M. Enhancing hospital pharmacy operations through lean and six sigma strategies: a systematic review. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e57176.
