Core Lean Tools and Improvement Principles in Healthcare

This course will focus on the concepts and tools required to make products, services, information and transactions flow in response to customer demand. The nature and types of wastes typically encountered, along with methods to eliminate them will be introduced as a core theme of lean. Push versus pull, continuous versus batch production for transactional processes will be explored, as will techniques used to make work flow. Building on the Current State Value Stream Map developed in the Lean Concepts and Enablers course, participants will learn how to select project areas of focus, along with the appropriate tools to establish and maintain improved flow. Sample tools will include 5S, standard work, visual management, takt time and pitch, kanbans, quick changeover, 5Whys and Jidoka. Class assignments will include the development of a Future State Value Stream Map and the completion of at least one improvement plan in the healthcare setting.