Lean Health Care 200H: Applying the Fundamentals

The Lean Health Care 200H is a 2 day-long course that will teach the basic lean tools with which most organizations begin their lean journeys. The concepts and tools taught within this course come from the Toyota Production System (TPS). Toyota has over 70 years of experience implementing these tools and have proven that, with dedication, they will work. These tools taught within this course will include Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Standard Work, A3 for problem solving and Kaizen.

Value Stream Mapping is a tool used to create a material and information flow map of a product or process. This powerful tool allows organizations to map the flow of products, patients or information from the beginning of the process through all health care process steps, until the process is complete. These steps make up the value stream. You begin the journey with the current state map; it shows you where you are. Then, you plan your lean journey with a future state map; it shows you where you're going and how you're going to get there. Based on your value stream map, you can streamline work processes, thereby cutting wait times, improving quality and efficiencies while cutting cost.

5S is a tool designed to improve workplace efficiencies by reducing waste associated with poor communication (due to lack of visual controls) and searching for items (that are necessary to perform job tasks). During this course, we will talk about each 5S: Sorting, Set-in order, Shine, Standardized, and Sustain. There is also a hands-on simulation to demonstrate the application of 5S in a health care setting. 5S is a very quick and easy tool to implement within any workplace.

Standardized work is necessary for any sort of improvement to begin. Have you ever noticed that everyone does things her/his own way? This practice can create issues concerning quality, safety, training of staff, and more. Before a process can be improved, it must be standard for everyone. During this course we will discuss the importance of standardized work, types of standardized work.

A3 for problem solving is a tool that Toyota is using to relentlessly improve operational performance. Central to this ability is the training of engineers, supervisors and managers in a structured problem-solving approach that uses a tool called the A3 problem-solving report. We will discuss the use of an A3 problem solving tool including when it is used, how it is used and will include hands on practice for A3 creation.

Kaizen is a systematic methodology Toyota uses when running continuous improvement projects. The 10-step process for running an effective kaizen will be covered during this course. Also, helpful hints from the front lines will be covered, such as team selection, pre-work, and post-work.

• Have a much deeper understanding in the basic lean health care tools
• Apply the tools they have learned in their areas of work
• See improvements within their work areas through communication improvements, morale improvements, quality improvements, etc
• Meet other healthcare organizations throughout North Carolina which also want to begin implementation

Topics Covered Include:

Value Stream Mapping
5S
Standard Work
A3 for problem solving
Kaizen 10-step process