Information mapping: a case of operating theatre list management process

Abstract

This paper considers an important dimension of information quality that is information flow and proposes a procedure for mapping the operating theatre waiting list (OTWL) process. The paper discusses the issues that make information mapping of the OTWL a challenging task and explains the difficulties associated with traditional process mapping techniques in determining the interdependencies of various elements of the OTWL process activities. The proposed procedure integrates a structured process mapping technique known as IDEF0 with another structured technique referred to as dependency structured matrix (DSM) to map the OTWL process. The paper indicates that it is possible to reduce feedbacks from other activities that affect the stability of the waiting list by administratively controlling the information flow through certain activities of OTWL process.