A general process model (Figure 2) was developed through
observation and interviews with the DO staff. The process starts with a referral from a health center or general practitioner. It is examined by one of the DO’s physicians. The next steps are then scheduled based on estimated urgency. Necessary diagnostic inputs are medical imaging, and pathological analysis of a tissue sample. Imaging can be performed either by the sending organizations, i.e. the patient arrives equipped with pictures, or DO refers the patient to the HUCH Medical Imaging Center. The tissue sample is collected at the DO operating room and sent to the HUCH Laboratory Diagnostics for analysis. The results of the medical imaging and the laboratory analyses are conveyed to DO electronically. When all the necessary information isthroughput time and the amount of PIP – inventory inside the process, and focus on possible causes and corrective action. One example is given.