Theory of constraints
What is it?
Theory of constraints is an approach to identifying the most important limiting factor (ie
constraint) that prevents any system or process from meeting its goal and then
systematically improving that constraint until it is no longer the limiting factor. Within
healthcare systems these constraints may show up as bottlenecks within the process.
While the bottleneck is evidence of a constraint, the constraint is usually related to
equipment, staff or a policy which is stopping the process from functioning effectively.
The link between constraints and bottlenecks is particularly important as a bottleneck
determines the pace at which the whole process can work.
Just as the strength of a chain is determined by its weakest link, the limiting step and its
constraint determine the work rate (throughput) of a team, process or hospital. Knowing
where the constraints are enables you to focus your improvement efforts and employ
specific techniques to increase and maintain throughput.