Continuous Quality Improvement
Success in continuous quality improvement requires: the patient to be placed at the heart of the process; a structured approach to improvement methodology is used; and, data to evidence the current situation and the impact of changes
Diagnostic stage
In any improvement effort, the key is to understand the problem you want to solve, understand the appropriate tools and techniques and how and when to use them, training can be provide in the following:
Mapping: value stream and process maps, fishbone, A3 problem solving, root cause analysis, value/non value added work, capacity and demand, statistical process control (SPC), Takt time and waste.
Redesign stage
Once the root cause of the problem has been defined and measured, the next stage is to redesign the service or system, the following tools can be used:
PDSA, standard work, visual management, workload levelling, 5S and eliminating carve out.
Sustain stage
History tells us that an improvement today will be gone tomorrow if steps are not taken to plan for sustainability from the beginning, some of the tools reuired to support this are:
30, 60, 90 day reviews, benefits realisation, cost quality, safety, delivery and SHINGO operational excellence.
Human Dimensions of Change and Patient User Engagement
Whilst the skills and improvement tools and techniques can be read and taught, the greatest challenge of implementing change is managing the human dimensions of change. Few people like change and many a brilliant idea can be lost or not adopted due to the lack of understanding the impact change can have on people. Some of the tools and techniques required to understand and successfully manage change:
Personal strengths, team strengths, facilitating, coaching, mentoring and engagement of executives, clinicians, patients and users.