Development of a tool for integrating Value Stream Mapping and ergonomics in healthcare - A Nordic Multicenter study.

Other conference contribution, 2014

Aim: To present the most recent draft Nordic version of the ErgoVSM tool for healthcare and some contextual factors influencing the intended impact of the tool. Material and Methods: The ErgoVSM tool is tested at 7 wards on 4 different hospitals in Denmark, Iceland and Sweden. The tests include assessment of tool usability and main factors facilitating or inhibiting the intended impact of the tool. On the basis of these trials a final version of the ErgoVSM is developed. The ErgoVSM tool: According to common VSM procedure the Current State is mapped (visualized) followed by a similar procedure regarding a wanted Future State. The Ergo-module includes assessments of physical exposures (posture, forces, variation, porosity) and psychosocial exposures (demands, control, variation, communication, porosity). It focuses task as well as values stream level. The exposures are assessed by ratings scales with verbally defined end points. The analysis includes discussion of solutions and establishment of an Action Plan needed to realize the wanted Future State. Main contextual factors influencing the intended impact of the tool seem to be previous Lean experience, management style, volume of competing projects and type of value stream analysed.