Purpose

The purpose of this article is to present a Value Stream Mapping (VSM) map of the treatment process of stroke patients at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology (IPiN) and to demonstrate the benefits to the patient through the application of Lean principles in the above-mentioned healthcare organization.

Case description

Map of the treatment of stroke shows the sequence of the various diagnostic and therapeutic activities – having started from the call an ambulance until the patient’s discharge from the hospital. Presented in the article map shows the current status of the treatment of stroke patients in IPiN along with the most important from the point of view of management indicators and parameters. The basic source of data during the making of the map were own observations (gemba walk, i.e. the passage of an individual patient’s path) and interviews conducted with medical and administrative staff involved in the process of patient treatment.

Comment

Described by the VSM process of stroke treatment in hospital and then implemented in practice provides an opportunity to significantly improve the patient’s condition through the early, comprehensive and individually rehabilitation matched to the patient needs, including early mobilization after stroke.