Beginning a Hospital Lean Improvement Journey in the Clinical Laboratory

Session
Lean Six Sigma

Authors
Jason A. Coons
Program Manager
Healthcare Solutions
TechSolve, Inc.

Dave Levine
Executive VP of Consulting Services
TechSolve, Inc.

Description
The Hospital lean improvement journey must begin somewhere. This presentation describes a lean introduction in the clinical laboratory and discusses the key of leveraging that success to build momentum and support for lean deployment to other areas of the hospital.

Abstract
The most significant challenge in Lean improvement is beginning the journey. Many hospital ancillary services, such as the clinical laboratory, offer opportunities to introduce the Lean approach in a quasi-production environment before addressing the complexities of the patient care units.

This breakout will begin with a review of the primary steps and tools in a successful lean performance improvement initiative in the clinical lab including value stream analysis and identification of non-value added activities, improvement impact on operational cost and performance, and the impact of improving existing processes prior to capital and resource investment. Examples of lean application in clinical laboratory will be discussed throughout the session along with class participation.

Further discussion of key elements to be considered to build organizational momentum for continuing lean implementation into other departments will be provided.