How is throughput time defined?

Throughput time is defined as the total time a unit of work or a patient spends within a system, from the moment it enters until it exits. This includes all stages of the process such as waiting, processing, and any other time the unit remains within the system.

Choosing the correct definition—total time in the system—captures the complete scope of downtime, active work time, and any delays, which is crucial for accurately assessing the efficiency of a healthcare process. By measuring the entire duration within the system, healthcare administrators and managers can identify bottlenecks, reduce unnecessary delays, and improve overall service delivery.

Understanding throughput time in this way can help healthcare facilities optimize their operations, making it essential for efficient process measurement and improvement initiatives. Other definitions involving only specific times, such as active working time or wait times, do not provide a comprehensive picture of the total operational effectiveness. Similarly, simply considering the time available for production misses the entirety of time spent in the system.