LEAN organizations constantly strive to find the root cause of problem. Tackling any cause that isn’t the root cause creates muda or waste in terms of effort and constant rework. The purpose of using the 5 whys tool is to Identify the root cause of problems. It should be used when you need to implement […]
The first critical step in every rapid cycle improvement project is selecting the project team. It should be made up of the departmental staff who actually do the work. Who better understands the process and is in a position to suggest and make changes than those who actually do the work? This is leveraging empowerment. […]
The fish one analysis is a simple and visual tool that helps pinpoint the root cause of a problem. It is easy to develop and read. It shows the interaction between various elements of a process. It provides additional insights into the process. The entire kaizen team should participate in this exercise. This exercise is […]
A major issue in every organization is how to implement and hardwire change. One reason for this issue is gathering the staff together, discussing the old process, discussing the new process changes and ensuring that the new process is followed. One section of your gemba board should be labeled process change alerts. Any process changes […]
The efficiency and effectiveness of a department is impacted by the layout of the work area. Similarly, a poorly designed work process can result in wasted movement that wastes time and more importantly, can cause fatigue in staff and residents. When measurements are taken, both before and after modifications are made, the result can be […]
Standard work is work that we perform on a regular basis. It is the processes we follow, developed to conform with best practises in our professions that allows the work to get done in a consistent manner. Examples are everywhere: the standard process for getting a resident up, and dressed, the activities an activity director […]
In a previous article we described how LEAN uncovered two root causes of patient dissatisfaction in the ED, wait times and communications. Lack of communication a huge issue everywhere in hospitals, clinics and long term care. I covers a wide range of issues and individuals from physicians to nurse to anyone who comes into contact […]
There is a myth about LEAN prevalent in healthcare today. That myth postulates that LEAN is a process that will reduce effort, improve processes but will not help increase patient satisfaction or HCAHPS scores because it is not focused on the patient. Nothing could be further from the truth. LEAN will do that and more. […]
We have all heard the expression management by walking around (MBWA), managers walking around their departments or senior executives wandering around the organizations chatting with staff in an attempt to bring a more friendly and congenial atmosphere to the organization. This is done with the hope that this will result in improved performance and more […]
Safety is a key performance indicator in all departments. The focus depends on the department. In the hospital or nursing home, those units that provide direct patient care have patient/ resident safety their top priority. The exact indicator of safety will again depend on the unit. Patient/ resident falls are always a top concern. These […]