Purpose This research study aims to develop a practical methodology to identify possible areas of improvements as well as exploring how to improve the healthcare staff flow within a selected department in a hospital. Design/methodology/approach It focuses on showing how to properly study and analyze the healthcare services and processes practiced at a selected department within a hospital. For this, several techniques like non-value adding activities, time motion study, spaghetti diagram, layout analysis, etc. are used. Findings To test the proposed methodology, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a hospital in Oman was considered as a case study. The study revealed that this unit has several potential improvements capabilities. Further, this study also discussed possible areas of improvements of this case unit and suggested how such improvements can be implemented. Originality/value Several possible improvements are suggested and are discussed with the hospital authority, which can be clarified as the re-layout of the NICU rooms, reorganization of the store to improve the staff flow, increase the work efficiency, introduction of HUSH policy, etc., which can enhance the entire operational system at the studied NICU.

Purpose This research study aims to develop a practical methodology to identify possible areas of improvements as well as exploring how to improve the healthcare staff flow within a selected department in a hospital. Design/methodology/approach It focuses on showing how to properly study and anal...