Title : Increasing throughput using lean methodology
Abstract:
Summary: Academic medical centers are experiencing a surge in patients post pandemic. The lack of acute beds capacity creates a knock-on effect with long waits in the emergency department. Lean management is an effective system for managing and improving quality. The model has been successfully implemented in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, and logistics planning. Attendees will learn how nursing leaders adopted Lean methodology to improve throughput to increase capacity at a major academic center.
Narrative: Lean management approach has been adopted throughout health care systems. Implementation of Lean methodology has resulted in improved caregiver engagement and quality outcomes. Nursing leaders have competing priorities including maintaining nurse sensitive indicators and improving resource utilization. Standard Work and Visual Management effective tools for driving engagement of frontline staff in process improvement. Visual Management ensures all members of the team are aware of the goals and processes on their units. Standard Work ensures all parts of a process are completed to specific standards. Leader Standard Work and Visual Management was implemented in a medical surgical unit to improve bed utilization. This resulted in increased throughput and bed capacity.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Describe Lean Methods to improve caregiver engagement
- Describe Visual Management
- Describe Gemba Walks to improve engagement
- Define steps to use visual management to drive engagement
- Participants will develop practical Leans skills to use in driving engagement to improve outcomes with their teams
