The impact of redesigning care processes on quality of care: a systematic review

J.E. van Leijen-Zeelenberg*, A.M.J. Elissen, K. Grube, A.J.A. van Raak, H.J.M. Vrijhoef, B. Kremer, D. Ruwaard

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: This literature review evaluates the current state of knowledge about the impact of process redesign on the quality of healthcare.

Methods: Pubmed, CINAHL, Web of Science and Business Premier Source were searched for relevant studies published in the last ten years [2004-2014]. To be included, studies had to be original research, published in English with a before-and-after study design, and be focused on changes in healthcare processes and quality of care. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were independently assessed for excellence in reporting by three reviewers using the SQUIRE checklist. Data was extracted using a framework developed for this review.

Results: Reporting adequacy varied across the studies. Process redesign interventions were diverse, and none of the studies described their effects on all dimensions of quality defined by the Institute of Medicine.

Conclusions: The results of this systematic literature review suggests that process redesign interventions have positive effects on certain aspects of quality. However, the full impact cannot be determined on the basis of the literature. A wide range of outcome measures were used, and research methods were limited. This review demonstrates the need for further investigation of the impact of redesign interventions on the quality of healthcare.

Original languageEnglish
Article number19
Number of pages24
JournalBMC Health Services Research
Volume16
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • Process redesign
  • Quality of care
  • Healthcare processes
  • Systematic review
  • CENTERED MEDICAL HOME
  • LEAN THINKING
  • HEALTH-CARE
  • IMPROVEMENT
  • EFFICIENCY
  • SAFETY

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