Going Lean: Busting Barriers to Patient Flow

“Why is this patient still here?” Has this question crossed your mind while you are walking the halls of your organization? This book explains how the Lean Method can help you keep your patients moving smoothly through treatment.

It may sound technical, but it is not. The Lean Method is easy to understand, easy to visualize, and easy to apply. First it will help you identify what is keeping patients waiting. Once you uncover the barriers to smooth patient flow, you can use the Lean method to develop creative strategies for keeping patients moving. The Lean Method is a management system. It will help you uncover issues, set goals for solving the issues, and measure your progress toward achievement.

Lean has worked in real hospitals, real clinics, and real laboratories
The book includes numerous examples and success stories that illustrate the Lean Method in action. It contains specific recommendations for removing the barriers to flow that are commonly uncovered using the Lean Method.

When you improve patient flow, you’ll see more revenue for the same assets, happier patients, and happier staff.

Learn about these strategies for improving patient flow:•Creating on observation unit distinct from inpatient units
•Redesigning compensation systems to favor patient flow
•Urging senior managers to spend time observing
•Requiring progress-tracking charts on everything of interest
•Encouraging caregivers to ask, “Why is this patient still here?”
•Creating a patient-flow desk to centralize admission control

Robert Barry, PE, PhD, is CEO of Balester Group LLC; an adjunct professor for the University of Pittsburgh; a certified Six Sigma master black belt; and a management consultant specializing in systems of extremely high reliability, with clients ranging from hospitals and utilities to the Alaska Pipeline. Dr. Barry formerly was managing principal for Caldwell Butler & Associates LLC. He received a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University, earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Pittsburgh, and completed executive management programs at the Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School. Dr. Barry holds 11 U.S. patents and has published widely on technical and management topics. He has held international executive positions for Westinghouse Energy Systems, has served on the faculty of the Pennsylvania State University, and is active in nonprofit organizations promoting the education and employment of people with severe physical and sensory handicaps.

 

Books published by Health Administration Press: 

 

High-Reliability Healthcare: Improving Patient Safety and Outcomes with Six Sigma, Second Edition