Applicability of the “5S Management Method” for Quality Improvement at Health Care Facilities in India
Introduction: The 5S management method, originally developed in Japanese industries for quality improvement, has since been adopted in healthcare settings worldwide. Several developing countries have reported positive outcomes from its implementation in healthcare, including improved workspace orga...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
ACHSM
2025-08-01
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| Series: | Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journal.achsm.org.au/index.php/achsm/article/view/4339 |
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| Summary: | Introduction: The 5S management method, originally developed in Japanese industries for quality improvement, has since been adopted in healthcare settings worldwide. Several developing countries have reported positive outcomes from its implementation in healthcare, including improved workspace organization, enhanced environments, better compliance with regulations, and increased patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess the applicability of the 5S management method for quality improvement in tertiary-level healthcare facilities and to evaluate the changes brought about by 5S in the workplace, including both process and outcome measures of healthcare services.
Methods: This mixed-methods study was conducted in twelve departments across the two largest tertiary hospitals in Nadiad, Gujarat, from July 2023 to December 2023. Quantitative data served as the primary component, supplemented by qualitative data. A structured 5S audit checklist and semi-structured interviews were used for baseline assessment, external evaluation, and qualitative data collection, respectively.
Results: Following 5S implementation, the mean scores increased in all twelve departments, with statistically significant improvements in most cases. The mean 5S score in the private hospital increased by 30.99%, while that of the government hospital increased by 43.39%. Post-implementation, turnaround time decreased for case registration, pharmacy, and emergency room services while laboratory efficiency improved, accompanied by reductions in medical errors and hospital-acquired infections. Qualitative analysis identified key themes such as enhanced work environments and improved quality of services.
Conclusion: The study shows that implementing the 5S management method effectively improves work environments, efficiency, quality, and staff satisfaction in both government and private tertiary healthcare facilities in India; sustaining these improvements is essential for long-term success.
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| ISSN: | 1833-3818 2204-3136 |