Evaluation of the application of continuous improvement based on the Kaizen concept in Emergency Healthcare Units

Abstract

The Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Fluminense Federal University promoted Kaizen in lean thinking implementation projects in 24-hour Emergency Care Units. This research aimed to evaluate the application of Kaizen in both projects looking for patterns, providing valuable information for the design and improvement of future projects. Both projects focused their Kaizen efforts on improving the environment and standardization, with a focus on the use of 5S. The literature shows a more comprehensive approach, making use of Kaizen also to solve recurring problems using methods of analysis and problem solving. For future projects, there should be considered to use 5S within the initial steps for the entire units and to start promoting problem solving Kaizen.