Lean Thinking

A philosophy and methodology of management of production processes that emphasizes engaging front-line production team members in the mapping of current state processes, identifying and eliminating wasteful steps that do not add value to the customer, and developing consensus about and implementing future state processes that are more efficient and that produce high quality products or services.

Three ways to keep it simple — one of which is bad

Dr. Ward's Methods Notes, Lean Thinking /

“Keep it simple, stupid.”   The “K.I.S.S.” principle.  Generally a good idea, but not always. Consider three types of simplification: Leaning.  This is about getting rid of waste. When simplifying a design, leaning involves getting rid of unnecessary features.  When simplifying communications, leaning involves getting rid of information that is duplicative, unimportant or just decorative.  Edward

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The Humunculus is a metaphor for Clinical Process Improvement Frameworks

Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), Clinical Practice Guidelines and Protocols, Clinical Process Improvement, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Lean Thinking, Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) /

During the last 20 years, we have experienced wave after wave of new frameworks for improving health care.  Each had its own terminology, ardently promoted and enforced by its zealous advocates.  Each had a lifecycle that began with a long incubation period, followed by a period of explosive growth in popularity and influence, rapidly leading

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“Can I get a Fast Pass?”: Learning from Disney about health care quality

1 Comment / ACO Culture, Lean Thinking /

While returning from a vacation to Walt Disney World yesterday, my family and I were in a disorganized crowd at the Orlando International Airport boarding the tram that shuttles travelers between terminal buildings.  A man yelled “Can I get a fast pass?”  Everyone laughed. Anyone who has been to a Disney park knows that a

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