The management of surgical pathology by theory of constraint

Abstract

This research aims to study the management by Theory of Constraints (TOC) in surgical pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, to improve the on time delivery of the diagnosis (within 14 days from receiving specimens). The research methodology included interviews, process identification and work practices which have been adjusted. The 14,000 surgical specimens were collected and analyzed from February 2008 to January 2009. The constraint in this process was found in tissue diagnosed by Pathologist. Paired sample t-test shows that after implementing the Theory of Constraints in surgical pathology, the on time delivery increased significantly, from 80.64% to 92.34% (p <0.05).