Lean and/or Six Sigma for process optimization in the perioperative period: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evidence on the influence of Lean and/or Six Sigma for process optimization in the perioperative period. METHODS: Integrative review carried out in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and LILACS databases on the use of Lean and/or Six Sigma to optimize perioperative processes. The studies included were analyzed in three thematic categories: flow of surgical patients, work process and length of stay. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of ten studies, which covered all operative periods. Lean and/or Six Sigma make a significant contribution to optimizing perioperative processes. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Lean and/or Six Sigma optimize perioperative processes to maximize the achievement of system stability indicators, making it possible to identify potential problems in order to recognize them and propose solutions that can enable the institution of patient-centered care.

Lean methodology: contributions to improving work processes in health and nursing.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the contributions of applying the Lean methodology to improve work processes in health and nursing and its impact on associated financial aspects. METHOD: an integrative review, carried out in six databases, whose sample of ten (100.0%) studies was analyzed and summarized descriptively. RESULTS: the outcomes obtained were stratified into: benefits/barriers to Lean Healthcare implementation; economic aspects involving Lean Healthcare implementation; and process improvements through Lean Healthcare implementation. The majority of studies (60.0%) were carried out in university hospitals, contexts that need to continually improve the quality of services provided, generally with scarce and limited resources, which support the viability of maintaining the teaching, research and extension tripod. CONCLUSION: three (30.0%) studies highlighted the financial aspects associated with Lean methodology application. The others only mentioned the possibility of financial gains through improving processes and reducing waste.

Productivity growth, economies of scale and scope in the water and sewerage industry: The Chilean case.

Evaluating the performance and analyzing the cost drivers of water utilities is of great interest for water regulators and water sector managers. This study uses a quadratic cost function to investigate the existence of economies of scale and scope in the Chilean water and sewerage industry over the period 2010-2017. We also estimate and decompose productivity growth into technical change and scale efficiency change. Technical change is further broken into pure, non-neutral and scale-augmenting technical change. The results indicate that cost savings can be achieved by increases in the scale of production and the separation of water and sewerage services. Productivity progressed favorably throughout the whole period at an annual rate of 8.4%, which was attributed to the scale effect, the adoption of new technologies and a good allocation of resources. Some policy implications are finally discussed based on our findings.

Improvement project in higher education institutions: A BPEP-based model.

Improvement projects (IPs) are a fundamental element in any quality management system from any organization. In Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), IPs are constantly implemented to maintain excellence in academic and administrative processes. In this study, we propose a model for IP implementation that is based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program (BPEP). As a part of the model, we propose a series of research hypotheses to be tested. The data used to test the hypotheses were gathered from a questionnaire that was developed after an extensive literature review. The survey was administered to Mexican public HEIs, and more than 700 responses were collected. The data were assessed in terms of convergent and discriminant validity, obtaining satisfactory results. To test the proposed relationships between the model constructs, we utilized Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using the software IBM SPSS Amos. The analysis confirmed the statistical validity of both the model and the hypotheses. In conclusion, our model for IP implementation is a useful tool for HEIs that seek to attain excellence in their processes through IPs.

A case-based methodology for lean implementation in hospital operations.

PURPOSE: Although there are general methodologies for lean implementation in manufacturing companies, a specific methodology for the implementation of lean healthcare in hospitals has not been addressed by the literature. Addressing this gap, the purpose of this paper is to develop a practice-driven methodology for implementing lean in hospital operations. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Three case studies were conducted to collect evidence on the lean implementation process in Brazilian hospitals. From empirical evidence and literature, the implementation methodology was proposed and submitted to critical assessment by experts from the field. FINDINGS: The process of lean implementation was very similar in all cases, triggered by strategic planning and operationalized by continuous improvement projects. On the other hand, in all cases, the lean implementation teams had to deal with employees' resistance. These findings were valuable inputs to the development of the implementation methodology. After refinement, it was proposed a feasible, useful and user-friendly methodology. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The proposed methodology was raised from the practice through case study research. However, the proposed methodology was not fully applied, and the associated performance measures were not elaborated in this paper. Therefore, more case studies and applications will be necessary to generalize the findings. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The methodology provides practical guidelines that support lean implementation in hospital operations. Although it demands adaptations for each specific hospital setting, this initial step may encourage hospital managers to start the lean journey. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study addressed the gap in the literature regarding the lack of methodologies for implementing lean healthcare in hospital operations. The methodology synthesizes the knowledge, principles and tools of lean thinking that can be applied in hospital operations.

Eficiencia en la distribución de medicamentos en las droguerías cubanas durante el año 2016 / Efficiency in the distribution of medicines in Cuban drugstores during the year 2016

Introducción: El estudio de la eficiencia de la distribución mayorista de los medicamentos debe tener en cuenta, no solo el cumplimiento de los indicadores clásicos económicos, sino también, en qué medida se está garantizando el nivel de abastecimiento de los diferentes surtidos para cada unidad. Objetivo: Evaluar, desde una perspectiva integral, la eficiencia de la distribución mayorista de medicamentos y otros productos farmacéuticos realizada en Cuba durante el año 2016. Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva, longitudinal y por trimestres para el año 2016. Se evaluó la rentabilidad, productividad y eficiencia técnica de escala de las 16 droguerías con que cuenta el país, para lo cual se planteó la resolución del análisis envolvente de datos, que se basó en la utilización del software libre OSDEA. Resultados: Se cumplieron las ventas y los ciclos de distribución, pero no se logró la cobertura por producto. Los recursos humanos y los gastos por recursos para la transportación se comportaron en el margen de lo planificado, pero se incrementó el gasto de las operaciones. Todas las droguerías funcionaron en el nivel de eficiencia planificada en cuanto a los indicadores financieros, sin embargo, el 10 por ciento de las unidades resultaron ineficientes según el indicador eficiencia técnica de escala. Discusión: La distribución mayorista de los medicamentos se realizó en 2016 con altos niveles de eficiencia. El análisis integral permitió identificar droguerías ineficientes por lo que este continúa siendo un tema a desarrollar. Las droguerías ineficientes deben revisar tanto el nivel de resultados como el de recursos consumidos para alcanzar niveles de eficiencia similares al de sus pares de referencia(AU)

Introduction: The study of the efficiency of the wholesale distribution of medicines must take into account not only the compliance with the classic economic indicators but also to what extent the supply level of the different assortments for each unit is being guaranteed. Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency from an integral perspective, of the wholesale distribution of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, in Cuba in 2016. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and quarterly research was developed for the year 2016. The profitability, productivity and technical efficiency of scale of the 16 drugstores in the country were evaluated. For what was propoused the resolve of the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), wich was based on the use of the free software OSDEA. Results: Sales and distribution cycles were met, but coverage by product was not achieved. The human resources and the expenses for basic resources for the transportation behaved in the margin of what was planned, but the expenses of the operations increased. All the drugstores worked at the level of efficiency planned in terms of financial indicators, however 10 percent of the units were inefficient based on the technical efficiency of scale. Conclusions: The wholesale distribution of medicines was carried out in 2016 with high levels of efficiency. The comprehensive analysis allowed identifying inefficient drugstores so this continues to be a topic to be developed. Inefficient drugstores should review both the level of results and that of resources consumed to achieve efficiency levels similar to those of their reference peers(AU)

Eficiencia en la distribución de medicamentos en las droguerías cubanas durante el año 2016 / Efficiency in the distribution of medicines in Cuban drugstores during the year 2016

Introducción: El estudio de la eficiencia de la distribución mayorista de los medicamentos debe tener en cuenta, no solo el cumplimiento de los indicadores clásicos económicos, sino también, en qué medida se está garantizando el nivel de abastecimiento de los diferentes surtidos para cada unidad. Objetivo: Evaluar, desde una perspectiva integral, la eficiencia de la distribución mayorista de medicamentos y otros productos farmacéuticos realizada en Cuba durante el año 2016. Métodos: Se desarrolló una investigación descriptiva, longitudinal y por trimestres para el año 2016. Se evaluó la rentabilidad, productividad y eficiencia técnica de escala de las 16 droguerías con que cuenta el país, para lo cual se planteó la resolución del análisis envolvente de datos, que se basó en la utilización del software libre OSDEA. Resultados: Se cumplieron las ventas y los ciclos de distribución, pero no se logró la cobertura por producto. Los recursos humanos y los gastos por recursos para la transportación se comportaron en el margen de lo planificado, pero se incrementó el gasto de las operaciones. Todas las droguerías funcionaron en el nivel de eficiencia planificada en cuanto a los indicadores financieros, sin embargo, el 10 por ciento de las unidades resultaron ineficientes según el indicador eficiencia técnica de escala. Discusión: La distribución mayorista de los medicamentos se realizó en 2016 con altos niveles de eficiencia. El análisis integral permitió identificar droguerías ineficientes por lo que este continúa siendo un tema a desarrollar. Las droguerías ineficientes deben revisar tanto el nivel de resultados como el de recursos consumidos para alcanzar niveles de eficiencia similares al de sus pares de referencia(AU)

Introduction: The study of the efficiency of the wholesale distribution of medicines must take into account not only the compliance with the classic economic indicators but also to what extent the supply level of the different assortments for each unit is being guaranteed. Objectives: To evaluate the efficiency from an integral perspective, of the wholesale distribution of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, in Cuba in 2016. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and quarterly research was developed for the year 2016. The profitability, productivity and technical efficiency of scale of the 16 drugstores in the country were evaluated. For what was propoused the resolve of the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), wich was based on the use of the free software OSDEA. Results: Sales and distribution cycles were met, but coverage by product was not achieved. The human resources and the expenses for basic resources for the transportation behaved in the margin of what was planned, but the expenses of the operations increased. All the drugstores worked at the level of efficiency planned in terms of financial indicators, however 10 percent of the units were inefficient based on the technical efficiency of scale. Conclusions: The wholesale distribution of medicines was carried out in 2016 with high levels of efficiency. The comprehensive analysis allowed identifying inefficient drugstores so this continues to be a topic to be developed. Inefficient drugstores should review both the level of results and that of resources consumed to achieve efficiency levels similar to those of their reference peers(AU)

Policy strategies to reduce waiting times for elective surgery: A scoping review and evidence synthesis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this evidence-based review is to identify and describe the interventions that have been implemented to reduce waiting times for major elective surgery. METHODS: Scoping review and presentation of the results according to the SUPPORT tools. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, SciELO, DARE-HTA, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria for research design were comprehensive. RESULTS: We identified 5200 records. After eliminating duplicates and screening by title and abstract, 171 records remained for full-text assessment, of which 12 were ultimately included for this review because they reported specific interventions and 96 records were included for further reference. The included studies show significant variability regarding elective procedures, population, and type of provider, as well as in the characteristics of the interventions and the settings. All the studies had methodological limitations. We graded the certainty of the evidence as very low. CONCLUSIONS: According to the evidence found for this review, interventions most likely should be multidimensional, with prioritization strategies on the waiting lists to incorporate equity criteria, together with quality management improvements of the surgical pathways and the use of operating rooms, as well as improvements in the planning of the surgical schedule.

Diffusion of the e-SUS Primary Care innovation in Family Health Teams.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diffusion of e-SUS Primary Care innovation in Family Health Teams. METHOD: A qualitative approach case study, based on Innovation Diffusion Theory and Technology Acceptance Model. We conducted 62 interviews and observation of professionals from Family Health Teams in six municipalities of Minas Gerais State, between March 2016 and January 2017. The data were treated through Categorical Thematic Content Analysis and, systematized, with Atlas.ti software . RESULTS: It was verified that although the e-SUS Primary Care strategy is recognized as a technological innovation, situations predominate that weaken its acceptance as: incompatibilities with the work process; sudden deployment, poor training; work overload; resistance; and negative impacts on health care. CONCLUSION: The diffusion of the e-SUS Primary Care strategy as a technological innovation has presented potential situations of its rejection, conforming as challenges to be overcome.

Diffusion of the e-SUS Primary Care innovation in Family Health Teams / Difusión de la innovación e-SUS Atención Primaria en Equipos de Salud de la Familia / Difusão da inovação e-SUS Atenção Básica em Equipes de Saúde da Família

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the diffusion of e-SUS Primary Care innovation in Family Health Teams. Method: A qualitative approach case study, based on Innovation Diffusion Theory and Technology Acceptance Model. We conducted 62 interviews and observation of professionals from Family Health Teams in six municipalities of Minas Gerais State, between March 2016 and January 2017. The data were treated through Categorical Thematic Content Analysis and, systematized, with Atlas.ti software . Results: It was verified that although the e-SUS Primary Care strategy is recognized as a technological innovation, situations predominate that weaken its acceptance as: incompatibilities with the work process; sudden deployment, poor training; work overload; resistance; and negative impacts on health care. Conclusion: The diffusion of the e-SUS Primary Care strategy as a technological innovation has presented potential situations of its rejection, conforming as challenges to be overcome.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar la difusión de la innovación e-SUS Atención Primaria en Equipos de Salud de la Familia. Método: Estudio de caso de abordaje cualitativo, fundamentado en la Teoría de la Difusión de la Innovación y Modelo de Aceptación de Tecnologías. Se realizaron 62 entrevistas y observación de profesionales de Equipos de Salud de la Familia en seis municipios de Minas Gerais, entre marzo de 2016 y enero de 2017. Los datos fueron tratados a través del Análisis de Contenido Temático Categorial y, sistematizados, con el software Atlas.ti. Resultados: Se verificó que a pesar de que la estrategia e-SUS Atención Primaria es reconocida como una innovación tecnológica, predominan situaciones que debilitan su aceptación como: incompatibilidades con el proceso de trabajo; implantación de forma súbita, capacitación deficiente; sobrecarga de trabajo; resistencia; e impactos negativos sobre la asistencia. Conclusión: La difusión de la estrategia e-SUS Atención Primaria como una innovación tecnológica ha presentado situaciones potencializadoras de su rechazo, conformándose como desafíos a ser superados.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a difusão da inovação e-SUS Atenção Básica em Equipes de Saúde da Família. Método: Estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa, fundamentado na Teoria da Difusão da Inovação e Modelo de Aceitação de Tecnologias. Realizamos 62 entrevistas e observação de profissionais de Equipes de Saúde da Família em seis municípios de Minas Gerais, entre março de 2016 e janeiro de 2017. Os dados foram tratados através da Análise de Conteúdo Temático Categorial e, sistematizados, com o software Atlas.ti. Resultados: Verificou-se que apesar de a estratégia e-SUS Atenção Básica ser reconhecida como uma inovação tecnológica, predominam situações que fragilizam a sua aceitação como: incompatibilidades com o processo de trabalho; implantação de forma súbita, capacitação deficiente; sobrecarga de trabalho; resistências; e impactos negativos sobre a assistência. Conclusão: A difusão da estratégia e-SUS Atenção Básica como uma inovação tecnológica tem apresentado situações potencializadoras de sua rejeição, conformando-se como desafios a serem superados.

Efficiency in the operational process: reduction of incorrect entries and guarantee of compliance in the rendering of accounts.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the impact of the Lean Six Sigma methodology in reducing incorrect entries of non-appropriated revenues and expenses. METHODS: Process for the review and application of the Lean Six Sigma methodology between December 2015 and September 2016, in a high-complexity general hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP). RESULTS: A total of 3,756,814 (100%) entries were audited between December 2015 and September 2016. The Sigma level evolved over the course of the process and increased from 3.44 Sigma in December 2015 to 5.92 Sigma in September 2016. Entries classified as non-appropriated revenues and expenses were brought down to 0% at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The use of the Lean Six Sigma methodology was efficient in reducing incorrect entries, calculating costs, ensuring compliance in rendering of accounts and accurately determining cost-outcome ratios.

Bed management team with Kanban web-based application.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effectiveness of the bed management process that uses a web-based application with Kanban methodology to reduce hospitalization time of hospitalized patients. DESIGN: Before-after study was performed. SETTING: The study was conducted between July 2013 and July 2017, at the Unimed Regional Hospital of Fortaleza, which has 300 beds, of which 60 are in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is accredited by International Society for Quality in Healthcare. POPULATION: Patients hospitalized in the referred period. INTERVENTION: Bed management with an application that uses color logic to signal at which stage of high flow the patients meet, in which each patient is interpreted as a card of the classical Kanban theory. It has an automatic user signaling system for process movement, and a system for monitoring and analyzing discharge forecasts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Length of hospital stay, number of customer complaints related to bed availability. RESULTS: After the intervention, the hospital's overall hospital stay time was reduced from 5.6 days to 4.9 days (P = 0.001). The units with the greatest reduction were the ICUs, with reduction from 6.0 days to 2.0 (P = 0.001). The relative percentage of complaints regarding bed availability in the hospital fell from 27% to 0%. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the use of an electronic tool based on Kanban methodology and accessed via the web by a bed management team is effective in reducing patients' hospital stay time.

Systematic Layout Planning of a Radiology Reporting Area to Optimize Radiologists' Performance.

Optimizing radiologists' performance is a major priority for managers of health services/systems, since the radiologists' reporting activity imposes a severe constraint on radiology productivity. Despite that, methods to optimize radiologists' reporting workplace layout are scarce in the literature. This study was performed in the Radiology Division (RD) of an 850-bed University-based general hospital. The analysis of the reporting workplace layout was carried out using the systematic layout planning (SLP) method, in association with cluster analysis as a complementary tool in early stages of SLP. Radiologists, architects, and hospital managers were the stakeholders consulted for the completion of different stages of the layout planning process. A step-by-step description of the proposed methodology to plan an RD reporting layout is presented. Clusters of radiologists were defined using types of exams reported and their frequency of occurrence as clustering variables. Sectors with high degree of interaction were placed in proximity in the new RD layout, with separation of noisy and quiet areas. Four reporting cells were positioned in the quiet area, grouping radiologists by subspecialty, as follows: cluster 1-abdomen; cluster 2-musculoskeletal; cluster 3-neurological, vascular and head & neck; cluster 4-thoracic and cardiac. The creation of reporting cells has the potential to limit unplanned interruptions and enhance the exchange of knowledge and information within cells, joining radiologists with the same expertise. That should lead to improvements in productivity, allowing managers to more easily monitor radiologists' performance.

Efficiency in the operational process: reduction of incorrect entries and guarantee of compliance in the rendering of accounts / Eficiência no processo operacional: redução dos lançamentos incorretos e garantia de compliance na prestação de contas

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the impact of the Lean Six Sigma methodology in reducing incorrect entries of non-appropriated revenues and expenses. Methods Process for the review and application of the Lean Six Sigma methodology between December 2015 and September 2016, in a high-complexity general hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP). Results A total of 3,756,814 (100%) entries were audited between December 2015 and September 2016. The Sigma level evolved over the course of the process and increased from 3.44 Sigma in December 2015 to 5.92 Sigma in September 2016. Entries classified as non-appropriated revenues and expenses were brought down to 0% at the end of the study. Conclusion The use of the Lean Six Sigma methodology was efficient in reducing incorrect entries, calculating costs, ensuring compliance in rendering of accounts and accurately determining cost-outcome ratios.

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o impacto da metodologia Lean Seis Sigma na redução de lançamentos incorretos de receitas e despesas não apropriadas. Métodos Processo de revisão e aplicação de metodologia Lean Seis Sigma, no período de dezembro de 2015 e setembro de 2016, em um hospital geral de alta complexidade da cidade de São Paulo (SP). Resultados Foram auditados 3.756.814 (100%) lançamentos durante os meses de dezembro de 2015 e setembro de 2016. O nível Sigma foi demonstrado na evolução do processo e aumentou de 3,44 Sigma, em dezembro de 2015, para 5,92 Sigma, em setembro de 2016. Os lançamentos classificados como receitas e despesas não apropriadas chegaram a 0% ao término do estudo. Conclusão O uso da metodologia Lean Seis Sigma foi eficiente na redução de lançamentos incorretos, na apuração correta de custos, na garantia de compliance na prestação de contas e na acurácia no projeto de custos e desfechos.

Successful adaptation of a research methods course in South America.

BACKGROUND: South America has low research productivity. The lack of a structured research curriculum is one of the barriers to conducting research. OBJECTIVE: To report our experience adapting an active learning-based research methods curriculum to improve research productivity at a university in Ecuador. DESIGN: We used a mixed-method approach to test the adaptation of the research curriculum at Universidad Catolica Santiago de Guayaquil. The curriculum uses a flipped classroom and active learning approach to teach research methods. When adapted, it was longitudinal and had 16-hour programme of in-person teaching and a six-month follow-up online component. Learners were organized in theme groups according to interest, and each group had a faculty leader. Our primary outcome was research productivity, which was measured by the succesful presentation of the research project at a national meeting, or publication in a peer-review journal. Our secondary outcomes were knowledge and perceived competence before and after course completion. We conducted qualitative interviews of faculty members and students to evaluate themes related to participation in research. RESULTS: Fifty university students and 10 faculty members attended the course. We had a total of 15 groups. Both knowledge and perceived competence increased by 17 and 18 percentage points, respectively. The presentation or publication rate for the entire group was 50%. The qualitative analysis showed that a lack of research culture and curriculum were common barriers to research. CONCLUSIONS: A US-based curriculum can be successfully adapted in low-middle income countries. A research curriculum aids in achieving pre-determined milestones. ABBREVIATIONS: UCSG: Universidad Catolica Santiago de Guayaquil; UM: University of Miami.

Eficiencia técnica de clínicas del Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica / Technical efficiency of the International Center of Neurological Restoration clinics

Objetivos: medir la eficiencia técnica de clínicas del Centro Internacional de Restauración Neurológica y determinar las áreas de mejoramiento potencial.Métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo realizado en La Habana, Cuba. Se analizó la eficiencia técnica pura y de escala basado en un algoritmo que se centra en el análisis envolvente de datos. Se evaluaron cuatro clínicas, entre enero y octubre de 2012 y 2013. Resultados: la media del índice de eficiencia de escala de las clínicas fue de 66,8 por ciento y 94,5 por ciento en el 2012 (dos clínicas eficientes) y 78,7 por ciento en el 2013 (tres clínicas eficientes). La clínica de Neurología Infantil fue eficiente bajo los dos supuestos y años analizados. Las clínicas ineficientes disponen de potencial para alcanzar la eficiencia, determinado por más de un indicador. Se requiere de la disminución en determinados recursos y del incremento en el indicador de resultado seleccionado. Conclusiones: se identifican en materia de eficiencia, factores críticos de rendimiento que pueden ser empleados como una herramienta para la gestión hospitalaria con el objetivo de establecer programas de mejoras continuas en cada clínica. Se dotó a la institución de una novedosa herramienta metodológica de uso internacional reconocido, lo cual constituye un trabajo pionero en el nivel de atención hospitalaria en Cuba(AU)

Objectives: to measure the technical efficiency of the International Center of Neurological Restoration clinics and to establish the potential improvement area. Methods: descriptive and observational study conducted in Havana, Cuba. It analyzed the pure and scale technical efficiency, based in a data envelopment analysis-centered algorithm. Four clinics were evaluated from January to October in 2012 and 2013. Results: the mean of the scale efficiency index was 66.8 percent and 94.5 percent in 2012 (two efficient clinics) and 78.7 percent in 2013 (three efficient clinics). Child neurology clinic was efficient in terms of the two assumptions and analyzed years. More than one indicator showed that the inefficient clinics had at their disposal the necessary potential to reach efficiency. Decrease in certain inputs and increase in the selected outputs are then required. Conclusions: in terms of efficiency, the study identified critical performance factors that may be used as a hospital management tool, with the objective of setting up continuous improvement programs in each clinic. The institution was provided with an internationally well-known novel methodology tool, which represents a pioneer work in the hospital care in Cuba(AU)

Avaliação da eficiência do acolhimento nas unidades de saúde da família do município do Recife, por meio da análise envoltória de dados - DEA / Evaluation of the efficiency of the reception in the health units of the family of the city of Recife, by means of the data envelope analysis - DEA

A avaliação do desempenho da assistência à saúde na Atenção Básica, e o aperfeiçoamento da eficiência técnica das ações, com a finalidade de subsidiar a gestão no planejamento e melhorar a qualidade da assistência prestada à população, é imperativa. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência no atendimento das Unidades de Saúde da Família (USF) do município do Recife e qual o impacto do Acolhimento sobre a mesma. Utilizou-se a metodologia Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), modelo BCC, com orientação para o produto. Foram utilizadas informações disponíveis na base de dados do Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica (SIAB), no período de 2005 a 2014, as variáveis selecionadas como inputs foram o número de médicos, número de enfermeiros e número de pessoas cadastradas por USF, e como outputs o número de consultas realizadas pelos médicos e enfermeiros das unidades. O trabalho conseguiu mapear a eficiência das USF da cidade do Recife, baseadas nos seus indicadores de produtividade quantitativos. Os resultados demonstraram que entre as 105 unidades estudadas na amostra, para todos os anos, o índice global ficou com média em torno de 0,54. Não havendo grande evolução dos índices de eficiência relativa após o início do Acolhimento. Contudo, quando a avaliação é feita em nível de Distrito Sanitário a distribuição fica mais próxima de 1. Dessa forma, os resultados exibidos podem servir para futuras investigações na Atenção Básica, assim como auxiliar no processo de tomada de decisões e como instrumento gerencial.(AU)

The evaluation of the health care performance in Primary Care and the improvement of the technical efficiency of the actions, in order to subsidize the management in the planning and to improve the quality of the assistance provided to the population, is imperative. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the efficiency of the Family Health Units (FHU) in the city of Recife and the impact of the Reception on it. The data-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology, was used for product orientation. Information available in the Basic Care Information System (SIAB) database was used, from 2005 to 2014, the variables selected as inputs were the number of physicians, number of nurses and number of persons enrolled by FHU, and how outputs the number of consultations performed by the doctors and nurses of the units. The work was able to map the efficiency of the USF of the city of Recife, based on its quantitative productivity indicators. The results showed that among the 105 units studied in the sample, for all years, the overall index averaged around 0.54. There was no major evolution of the relative efficiency indexes after the start of the Reception. However, when the evaluation is done at the Sanitary District level, the distribution is closer to 1. Thus, the results displayed may serve for future investigations in Primary Care, as well as assist in the decision-making process and as a management tool.(AU)

Oportunidades y retos de la medición de la eficiencia organizacional de las farmacias comunitarias cubanas / Opportunities and challenges of the measurement of organizational efficiency in the Cuban community pharmacies

En Cuba, el sector de la salud está inmerso en la implementación de las transformaciones necesarias que se dirigen al uso eficiente y racional de los recursos, las farmacias comunitarias no escapan a este llamado. En el presente trabajo se realiza un análisis crítico de las oportunidades y retos existente para la medición de la eficiencia organizacional de los servicios farmacéuticos comunitarios cubanos. La realidad sanitaria cubana actual ofrece entre los elementos de oportunidad: el contexto político, la inserción de los servicios farmacéuticos como parte del Sistema Nacional de Salud y las experiencias previas metodológicas. A la vez, existen varios retos como: la complejidad de la selección y medida de los resultados, la calidad de la información disponible y el desencuentro entre el tratamiento de estas unidades como empresas o como unidades de salud. Los estudios de eficiencia organizacional de las farmacias comunitarias cubanas constituyen una demanda y una necesidad del perfeccionamiento de la salud pública, pero a la vez constituyen un reto debido al entorno organizacional singular que las caracteriza. Se impone rescatar la visión de las farmacias comunitarias como instituciones prestadoras de servicios de salud y no solo como unidades empresariales expendedoras de medicamentos(AU)

The health sector in Cuba is immersed in the implementation of necessary changes for the rational and efficient use of resources, a process in which the community pharmacies are also included. The present paper made a critical analysis of the opportunities and challenges of the measurement of organizational efficiency in the Cuban community pharmacy services. The Cuban health realities currently offer opportunity elements such as the political context, the insertion of pharmacy services into the national health system and previous methodological experiences. At the same time, there are several challenges to be met as the complexity of selection and measurement of results, the quality of available information and the differences as to dealing with these units as enterprises or as health units. The organizational efficiency studies in the Cuban community pharmacies are both a demand of and a requirement for the public health improvement, but they are in turn a challenge due to their peculiar organizational environment. Recovering the vision of community pharmacies as health service providers rather than entrepreneurial drug sale units is a must(AU)