Fundamental Problems
- Video tape process analysis reveals unseen waste and lack of organization
- Non-standard location of supplies OR suite to OR suite
- Costly redundant supply practices - 14 ORs had 30 different types of sutures on hand...in full boxes!
- Supplies run out and nurses must find them in a hurry
- Case carts built and delivered the day before the procedure - clogging the sterile core
- Supplies removed from the case carts forcing employees to check and recheck supplies
- Year-end inventory required 2 days
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Solutions
- Case carts build on demand eliminates checking and rechecking of supplies
- Standard locations for each supply item in each room
- Initiated "Never Out" pull inventory system
- Used innovatively designed inventory replenishment systems
- Suture inventory door hanger system
- Garbage bag dispenser
- Pillow dispensers
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