Increasing Efficiency of Drugs and Medical Supplies Distribution in Hospital using Lean Thinking

A Case Study of GGG Co., Ltd.

Abstract

This research aimed to increase efficiency of drugs and medical supplies distribution to point-of-care location in hospital by GGG Co., Ltd. The first step was to collect data of drugs and medical supplies distribution and analys waste in the process by using Cause-and-Effect Diagram, Swim Lane Diagram and Flow Process Chart to improve distribution processes. The result include the intermittent performance of employee and the delay of drug and medical supplies distribution to point-of-care location in hospital, which it should deliver within 60 minutes per round. Therefore, the customers satisfaction decreased and it would influence the project succession in the future. The problem was claused by improper on distribution plan and time. Thus, Lean Thinking was used as a tools by applying the ECRS concept to improve distribution processes for increasing efficiency, reducing non-value adding activities and total of time. The results showed the reduction of average time on Normal Saline distribution from 50 minutes to 45 minutes (10% reduction), medical supplies distribution from 65 minutes to 45 minutes (30.77% reduction), order-for- continue drug distribution from 65 minutes to 45 minutes (30.77% reduction) and new-order drug distribution from 47 minutes to 45 minutes (4.26%). Furthermore, the distribution process was reduced from 8 steps to 4 steps with reducing total of time from 121 minutes to 57 minutes (52.89%).