Modeling a clinical process for differentiated thyroid cancer health care in Hospital Base Valdivia, Chile

• Published in: Revista de calidad asistencial Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 190 - 195
• Main Authors: Ávila-Schwerter, C, Torres-Andrade, M C, Méndez, C A, Márquez-Manzano, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.07.2016
• Subjects: Chile; Decision Trees; Delivery of Health Care; Health Services Research; Hospitals; Humans; Patient Care Planning; Thyroid Neoplasms - surgery; Thyroid neoplasms; Carcinoma in situ; Comprehensive health care; Neoplasias de la tiroides; Atención integral de salud; Manejo de la enfermedad; Disease management; Neoplasms
• ISSN: 1887-1364
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cali.2015.12.002

To design a clinical process model in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer in order to improve accessibility to this treatment. Based on modified Participatory Action Research, a model design process was conducted using a literature review and meetings with organisations committed to the redesigning process, and to agree an improved and feasible process. The process map was constructed by participatory action including, characterisation of the value chain, fault detection in the flow of the process, relevant documents and process for proposing modifications and approvals necessary for this purpose. Links were established between the main process and the support and strategic processes. The participatory model helped to cut the waiting times for diagnosis and treatment of this disease from 12 to 4 months. For each unit to be able to fully visualise the map of the process and understand their contribution as a set of integrated contributions and not fragmented, helps in the comprehensive management of patients and operation processes based on the hierarchical and dominant organisational model in Chilean hospitals. To analyse and remodel clinical processes by participatory action helps to limit failures in the fluidity of care of the patients, by presenting each participating unit with a general view of the process, the problems, and the possible solutions. Furthermore, this approach helps to clarify the process in order to make it more efficient, to harmonise relationships, and to improve coordination in order to optimise patient care.