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What Really is Lean Thinking? - 21/09/09
What Really is Lean Thinking?
or
How does Lean Thinking Fit Healthcare?
or
How does Lean Thinking Fit Healthcare?
It is clear there are many differing views and some confusion, even bemusement, about the two questions above. I think it is also reasonable to ask the question of something that started in the auto industry.
If you peel back the jargon and the almost evangelical passion exhibited by those who “have the knowledge” you find a set of principles and methodologies that make common sense and that can be applied anywhere and in any industry.
It is about understanding the customers (patients) perceptions of value and then delivering what they require with the least amount of waste and frustration at the lowest cost in the shortest time. This sounds familiar to many process improvement methodologies except when you realise that Lean Thinking is not just tools it is also about “Respect for People” – the engagement of all people associated with patient care in developing sustainable performance improvement outcomes.
The reality for Healthcare in Australia is that unless we start thinking and acting differently there will be no significant change or improvement. Initiatives such as “e” based information systems, product numbering and structural change will make a difference but they are not the panacea that some would wish.
The real opportunity is in the delivery of care. The better we understand this and the magnitude of the issues, problems and barriers that get in the way the better chance of delivering cost effective care that meets patients needs and takes the stress and frustration out of health peoples lives; and that will also enhance the technical initiatives outcomes.
The attached article is from the association of one of the worlds leading thinkers in the application of Lean Thinking, Professor Peter Hines, and Andrew Stewart the MD of Australia’s leading Lean Enterprise implementation and training group - Intelog Healthcare Performance Group.
We are confident “What is Lean Thinking in Healthcare” will provide the practical and simplified view of what is one of the major opportunities for Healthcare in Australia.
We welcome your thoughts and discussion about this and other subjects that will aid in the improvement of patient and client care.
Susan Sheehy is coming to Australia!
Updated 20/01/09
Suesan Sheehy, RN, PhD(c), FAAN, FAEN Director of Education Programs : Lean Healthcare West
Susan is Director of Education Programs for Lean Healthcare West. She is an internationally known expert in Emergency, Trauma, and Aeromedical Transport care. She played instrumental roles in the development of statewide trauma systems in Washington, Maine, and New Hampshire. A very popular speaker/educator both nationally and internationally, her Lean expertise includes clinical analysis and implementation, patient throughput, Lean team development, department and hospital Lean design/re-design integration, department/hospital relocation, policy and protocol development, creating a "Five Star" department/hospital, and reVIEW© program development, implementation, training and coaching. Susan is a past national president of the Emergency Nurses Association and the Emergency Nurses Association Foundation. She is the author/editor of four emergency nursing/trauma textbooks (12 editions) and over 80 journal articles. She received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Boston College. She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Outcomes Research and Health Policy from Dartmouth College and is a PhD candidate at Boston College. Susan served on active duty with the US Army Nurse Corps and as a flight nurse in the US Air Force Reserves. She is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing and the Academy of Emergency Nursing.
Susan will be available to meet with Executives and Redesign Leaders to share her knowledge and experience during February and March.
Please feel free to contact Emma Erdmanis at emma@intelog.com.au or (03) 9550 0855 to arrange a meeting during her visit.
To Healthcare Leaders, Healthcare Suppliers and Supply Chain Professionals: Supply Chain Excellence - A key lever to delivering improved healthcare PDF
Source - the home of Lean Thinking: First Edition
S A Partners have produced Source with an aim to provide the latest insights and views on Lean Thinking from an academic and practical perspective. Click here to dowload (22 pages).
Events
The First Australian University Lean Thinking Program
The University of South Australia in association with the Lean Enterprise Research Centre at Cardiff University is delivering the internationally acclaimed Principles of Lean Thinking Program.
Read full press release: UniSA.pdf
Read course brochure: UniSA Lean Thinking.pdf
