Lean in Healthcare – Emergency Department Discharge Flow

Analyzed the discharge process at Astrid Lindgren Hospital’s emergency department using value stream mapping and detailed time studies. Identified non-value-added steps such as duplicated documentation, avoidable patient transport, and long waits for discharge approvals. Designed a future-state flow with clearer role ownership, batching rules for paperwork, and visual management for pending discharges. Simulated the new process in Excel to estimate impact, showing a 22% reduction in total discharge time and smoother workload distribution across doctors and nurses.