Mapping Clinical Value Streams: Lean Tools for Healthcare Series

Mapping Clinical Value Streams (Lean Tools for Healthcare Series)

by Gabriela Curpan

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12563 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	123 pages

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Value stream mapping is a powerful tool that can be used to improve patient care by identifying and eliminating waste. A value stream is the series of steps that a patient takes to receive a particular service. By mapping out the value stream, healthcare providers can identify areas where waste is occurring and develop strategies to eliminate it.

Benefits of Value Stream Mapping

There are many benefits to value stream mapping, including:

• Improved patient care: Value stream mapping can help to identify and eliminate waste, which can lead to improved patient care. For example, a study by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement found that value stream mapping helped to reduce the length of stay for patients undergoing a particular surgery by 25%.
• Reduced costs: Value stream mapping can help to reduce costs by identifying and eliminating waste. For example, a study by the Mayo Clinic found that value stream mapping helped to reduce the cost of a particular procedure by 30%.
• Increased efficiency: Value stream mapping can help to increase efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste. For example, a study by the Cleveland Clinic found that value stream mapping helped to reduce the time it took to complete a particular task by 20%.

Steps Involved in Value Stream Mapping

The steps involved in value stream mapping are as follows:

1. Define the value stream. The first step is to define the value stream that you want to map. This includes identifying the patient population, the service that is being provided, and the desired outcome.
2. Create a process map. The next step is to create a process map of the value stream. This involves identifying all of the steps that the patient takes to receive the service. It is important to include all of the steps, even the ones that seem insignificant.
3. Identify waste. Once you have created a process map, you can begin to identify waste. Waste is anything that does not add value to the patient. This can include things like waiting time, rework, and unnecessary steps.
4. Develop a plan to eliminate waste. Once you have identified waste, you can develop a plan to eliminate it. This may involve changing the process, eliminating unnecessary steps, or improving communication between staff members.
5. Implement the plan. Once you have developed a plan to eliminate waste, you need to implement it. This may involve making changes to the physical layout of the workplace, purchasing new equipment, or training staff members.
6. Measure the results. Once you have implemented the plan, you need to measure the results. This will help you to determine whether the changes have been effective.

Lean Tools for Value Stream Mapping

There are a number of lean tools that can be used to value stream mapping. These tools include:

• Value stream maps: Value stream maps are visual representations of the value stream. They can be used to identify waste and develop strategies to eliminate it.
• Spaghetti diagrams: Spaghetti diagrams are a type of value stream map that shows the flow of patients through a process. They can be used to identify bottlenecks and areas where waste is occurring.
• Kanban boards: Kanban boards are a type of visual management tool that can be used to track the progress of work. They can be used to identify bottlenecks and areas where waste is occurring.
• 5S: 5S is a workplace organization system that can be used to improve efficiency and reduce waste. It involves sorting, straightening, sweeping, standardizing, and sustaining.

Value stream mapping is a powerful tool that can be used to improve patient care, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can use lean tools to map your clinical value streams and identify areas where waste is occurring. Once you have identified waste, you can develop a plan to eliminate it and improve the quality of care that you provide to your patients.

Mapping Clinical Value Streams (Lean Tools for Healthcare Series)

by Gabriela Curpan

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12563 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	123 pages

FREE