27 Concepts for Rapid Improvement in Health Care
27 Concepts for Rapid Improvement in Health Care
Redesign the System
1. Do tasks in parallel.Instead of doing tasks sequentially, redesign the system to do some or all tasks in parallel.
2. Use multiple processes.
Rather than use a single "one size fits all" process, use multiple versions of the process, each tailored to the different needs of customers or users.
3. Minimize hand-offs.
Redesign the work flow to minimize any hand-offs in the process.
4. Synchronize.
Time all of the steps in a process with reference to a clearly defined, agreed-upon synchronization point.
5. Use pull systems.
When work is being transferred through a process, instead of pushing it from one step to the next, have the latter step pull it from the previous step.
6. Move steps closer together.
Move the physical location of adjacent steps in a process close together so work can be passed directly from one step to the next.
7. Use automation.
Improve the flow of processes by the intelligent use of automation.
8. Create visualization that everyone is in the same system.
Take steps to help people see themselves as part of the same system working toward common goals.
9. Use multiple processing unit.
To gain flexibility in controlling the flow of work, try to have multiple work stations, equipment, or processes in a system all of the same type.
10. Maximize the time of specialists.
Have specialists do only tasks that require their specific skills.
11. Convert internal steps to external.
Convert tasks that are done as part of the process to tasks that are performed ahead of time or deferred until later.
Shape the Demand
12. Eliminate things that are not used.Cease to supply something not wanted or rarely used.
13. Insert an informative delay.
Postpone immediate service for the specific purpose of obtaining information from the waiting period.
14. Combine services.
Reframe the original demand for individualized service into a larger cluster of services.
15. Automate.
Meet a recurrent need with a standardized process.
16. Triage.
Establish multiple channels for satisfying different needs that originally present as the same.
17. Eliminate demand for ineffective care.
Do not provide care for which there is no evidence of efficacy.
18. Relocate the demand.
Meet the demand for a service, but in a different location from where it is originally requested
19. Anticipate demand.
Meet a need before it arises.
20. Promote self-care.
Increase the capacity of patients to treat themselves.
Match Capacity to Demand
21. Improve predictions.Predict demand based on past experience and plan capacity to meet predictions.
22. Smooth the work flow.
Take steps to reduce fluctuations in demand.
23. Adjust to peak demand.
If fluctuations in demand cannot be reduced further, make plans to meet periods of high demand.
24. Identify and manage the constraint.
Find and remove the bottlenecks in the system.
25. Work down the backlog.
If a system has accumulated a backlog, add some capacity in the short term.
26. Balance centralized and decentralized capacity.
Use centralized staff to meet fluctuations in demand at the local level.
27. Use contingency plans.
Deal with unexpected delays by preparing backup plans.
Subscribe Now for Access
You have reached your article limit for the month. We hope you found our articles both enjoyable and insightful. For information on new subscriptions, product trials, alternative billing arrangements or group and site discounts please call 800-688-2421. We look forward to having you as a long-term member of the Relias Media community.