Dadich A, Samaranayake P, Hurriyet H, Elliot C. Process improvement of a paediatric feeding clinic.
Heliyon 2024;
10:e23150. [PMID:
38163113 PMCID:
PMC10756986 DOI:
10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23150]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify opportunities to improve processes within a paediatric feeding clinic to enhance timely patient access to healthcare through effective and efficient resource use.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involved three interrelated methods. First, de-identified feeding clinic data, collected over seven years, were analysed to understand patient appointments. Second, clinician workshops and the swim lane method were used to map feeding clinic processes. Third, root cause analysis was conducted to identify bottlenecks and identify improvement opportunities.
Findings
The results revealed three, poorly connected sub-processes within the feeding clinic - namely: the patient triaging and appointment scheduling or allocation process; the clinic reporting process; and the cancellation and rescheduling process. These sub-processes were poorly connected because of inadequate resources, few standardised processes, and limited coordination between the different processes. Consequently, patient appointments were typically delayed, and patient reports were not always completed in a timely manner. Processes within the paediatric feeding clinic could therefore be improved by using digital tools, patient portals and telehealth, online interventions, an automated appointment confirmation system, and/or an automated transcription of each appointment.
Originality/value
This is the first published study to apply business process management to a paediatric feeding clinic. By using three methods to clarify opportunities to improve clinic processes, it highlights the potential value of health information technology in this context. This evidence will enable health service managers to ensure that children with feeding difficulties have timely access to appropriate care.
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