Recomendaciones para el fortalecimiento del proceso operativo del servicio de lavandería hospitalaria.
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Date
2025
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Publisher
Universidad de Concepción
Abstract
El funcionamiento óptimo de un hospital depende de la coordinación eficiente de sus servicios, dentro de estos, se encuentra el servicio de lavandería hospitalaria. Este servicio asegura la limpieza y desinfección de textiles utilizados en diversas áreas clínicas, contribuyendo, así, a la prevención de infecciones intrahospitalarias y al bienestar tanto de los pacientes como del personal. Sin embargo, la inexistencia de normativas para la gestión de lavandería hospitalaria en Chile representa un desafío, lo cual justifica la necesidad de un análisis exhaustivo del ciclo completo del servicio.
Este proyecto buscó identificar puntos críticos y proponer mejoras en el ciclo de lavandería del hospital Guillermo Grant Benavente. Se implementó una metodología observacional descriptiva de corte transversal, basada en un enfoque ágil, para realizar el levantamiento de datos mediante observaciones y entrevistas semiestructuradas al personal involucrado en el proceso. El proceso para llevar a cabo el objetivo del proyecto constó de tres etapas, primero se encuentra el levantamiento de datos mediante la metodología ya descrita, posteriormente se realizó el modelado del proceso mediante una herramienta de simulación ayudando a identificar puntos críticos que requieren de mejoramiento. Finalmente, con base en los resultados de las observaciones y simulaciones realizadas se generaron recomendaciones de mejoramiento enfocadas en infraestructura, gestión de recursos, trazabilidad y capacitación del personal.
Entre los principales hallazgos, se identificó un cuello de botella critico en el área de pesado y carga de lavadoras, con una utilización de un 99,87%, así como una alta demanda en el rodillo de planchado, con limitada disponibilidad de equipamiento. Asimismo, se elaboraron recomendaciones concretas en materia de infraestructura, ergonomía, trazabilidad y gestión de personal.
Dentro de las principales limitaciones del proyecto se encontró la falta de una normativa técnica básica para la gestión de lavandería, así como la limitación del estudio a solo un hospital, lo cual dificulta la generalización de los resultados. Sin embargo, se espera que este análisis proporcione una base y/o guía para el mejoramiento de la gestión del servicio de lavandería hospitalaria en otros recintos de salud.
The optimal functioning of a hospital depends on the efficient coordination of its services, among which is the hospital laundry service. This service ensures the cleaning and disinfection of textiles used in various clinical areas, thus contributing to the prevention of hospital-acquired infections and the well-being of both patients and staff. However, the lack of regulations for hospital laundry management in Chile presents a challenge, which justifies the need for a thorough analysis of the complete service cycle. This project aimed to identify critical points and propose improvements in the laundry cycle at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional observational methodology was implemented, based on an agile approach, to collect data through observations and semi-structured interviews with personnel involved in the process. The process for achieving the project’s objective consisted of three stages: first, data collection through the aforementioned methodology; then, process modeling using a simulation tool to help identify critical points requiring improvement; and finally, based on the results from the observations and simulations, improvement recommendations were generated focusing on infrastructure, resource management, traceability, and staff training. Among the main findings, a critical bottleneck was identified in the weighing and washing machine loading area, with a utilization rate of 99.87%, as well as high demand on the ironing roller, with limited equipment availability. Concrete recommendations were also developed regarding infrastructure, ergonomics, traceability, and personnel management. One of the main limitations of the project was the absence of basic technical regulations for laundry management, as well as the limitation of the study to a single hospital, which makes generalization of the results difficult. However, it is expected that this analysis will provide a foundation and/or guide for improving hospital laundry service management in other healthcare facilities.
The optimal functioning of a hospital depends on the efficient coordination of its services, among which is the hospital laundry service. This service ensures the cleaning and disinfection of textiles used in various clinical areas, thus contributing to the prevention of hospital-acquired infections and the well-being of both patients and staff. However, the lack of regulations for hospital laundry management in Chile presents a challenge, which justifies the need for a thorough analysis of the complete service cycle. This project aimed to identify critical points and propose improvements in the laundry cycle at Guillermo Grant Benavente Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional observational methodology was implemented, based on an agile approach, to collect data through observations and semi-structured interviews with personnel involved in the process. The process for achieving the project’s objective consisted of three stages: first, data collection through the aforementioned methodology; then, process modeling using a simulation tool to help identify critical points requiring improvement; and finally, based on the results from the observations and simulations, improvement recommendations were generated focusing on infrastructure, resource management, traceability, and staff training. Among the main findings, a critical bottleneck was identified in the weighing and washing machine loading area, with a utilization rate of 99.87%, as well as high demand on the ironing roller, with limited equipment availability. Concrete recommendations were also developed regarding infrastructure, ergonomics, traceability, and personnel management. One of the main limitations of the project was the absence of basic technical regulations for laundry management, as well as the limitation of the study to a single hospital, which makes generalization of the results difficult. However, it is expected that this analysis will provide a foundation and/or guide for improving hospital laundry service management in other healthcare facilities.
Description
Tesis presentada para optar al título de Ingeniero/a Civil Biomédico.
Keywords
Limpieza y mantenimiento de hospitales, Lavandería