IT in Healthcare - Essay Example

1014942_LSS in Healthcare Briefly explain what an Affinity Diagram is used for? Give at least two examples. An affinity diagram is a special tool used in business to systematize data and ideas (Eckes 87). For instance, the diagram is appropriate in a workshop environment. It can be used to identify, group and discuss issues among participants who are working together. The diagram can be useful in a case where one has a large amount of information (Eckes 88). One can have thousands of informational notes belonging to different individuals involved in a contextual enquiry and the diagram will assist him organise the information. 2. What are the differences between special and common cause variation and what tool is used to help identify incidences of both? Special causes are unusual, never observed and unquantifiable variations in a system. Common causes on the other hand are the common, past and quantifiable variations within a system (Hwang et al. 96). The tool used to help identify both incidences is statistical thinking. 3. What are some advantages to using CTQ trees? Some advantages to using CTQ trees are; transformation of unspecific into specific customer requirements, aid sigma teams to detail wider specifications and it assures the fulfillment of all customer requirements (Graban 63). 4. Which Six Sigma tool is used to determine process stability and predictability? The Six Sigma tool is used to determine process stability and predictability in statistical process control (SPC) (Eckes 76). 5. What are some advantages and disadvantages for conducting a stakeholder analysis? Advantages of conducting a stakeholder analysis include; one gets to understand the stakeholders better through identifying risks and managing the existing relationships better, one is able to decide and strategize in an effective way, and one is able to accept the actions of stakeholders in an organization in a better way (Hwang et al. 109). The disadvantages are; the analysis yield better results if done continuously, subjective assessment analysis and sometimes some interests of specific stakeholders may not be met (Eckes 110). 6. How could you effectively use a "payoff matrix?" Explain briefly. The payoff matrix represents valuable results like lottery tickets or money for participants (Hwang et al. 43). The matrix is used in experimental games, the participants are given an opportunity to choose to cooperate or un-cooperate, but the final consequences falls on them (Hwang et al. 32). 7. Describe what tools can be used to run effective team meetings? How can they help? Tools useful in running effective team meetings are OARR objectives, roles and responsibilities as well as agendas. These tools help to have an industrious, valuable, and engaging meeting. These tools will ensure smooth and effective meeting that will cut down costs and save time (Graban 54). 8. How does Lean "Standardization" differ from traditional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)? Lean standardization advocates that the future needs us to be more efficient in pointing out problems and finding solutions for them (Graban 11). This calls for analysis of processes going into products. Traditional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was never given priority, and it was disjointed and difficult to understand. 9. Briefly explain the three core principles of Lean. Challenge; to have a long term vision of future challenges so that one can realise his or her ambition. Kaizen; the principle argues that there is never good enough. Hence there is need for continuous improvements through evolution and innovation (Graban 12). Genchi Genbutsu; encourages one to go to the source to see facts for himself (15). This will assist in making right decisions, creating consensus, and ensuring attainment of goals as soon as possible. 10. What are some examples of the effective application of standardization in healthcare? Usage of healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS), applying the endorsed standards of ambulatory care and taking precautions to prevent pathogen associated transmissions (Graban 110). 11. How can standardization be applied to not turn staff into robots? This can be made by shortening the list of standards. This is done to keep standards that really matter and eliminate those that do not matter much (Graban 141). 12. How can leaders reduce staff resistance to standardization? Leaders can reduce staff resistance to standardization by emphasizing quick adoption to quality production (Hwang et al. 143). 13. What is a realistic application of Takt in healthcare other than drawing lab specimens? The realistic application of Takt in healthcare can be applied in phlebotomy staffing level determination in a healthcare. The main idea with takt is to ensure one’s capacity matches up with the requirements of the patient (Graban 149). In addition, when one has on-demand services like caring for patients, takt is necessary. The useful idea is to spread patient arrivals and patient care and ensure they are even. This will ensure healthcare personnel will not have long waiting room times, which are likely to inconvenience healthcare operations (Graban 202). 14. How can you standardize training programs? Training programs can be standardized by employing online multimedia approach. The approach addresses various learning styles and gives the learners freedom and flexibility in absorbing the teachings (Graban 144). 15. Why are visual management and controls effective? Visual management and controls are effective because a strong cultural foundation is built and product flow is enhanced while lead time is reduced and quality improvement is achieved (Graban 152). Extra Credit: 16. What is the most important part of 5S and why? State your case. The most important part of 5s is STOP. This part is important because production must be stopped at some point to find ways of improving the process (Hwang et al. 43). 17. Do you think that 5S should be modified to 6S by including "safety?" Why not? 5S should be modified to 6S to include safety because it is equally important to other Ss (Hwang et al. 41). 18. How could Kanban be used to prevent supply "hoarding in hospitals? Installation of well designed Kanban systems will ensure usage of basic supplies at the expected rate. This will prevent supply hoarding in hospitals. Works Cited Eckes George. Six Sigma for everyone. New York: Wiley, 2003. Print Graban Mark. Lean Hospitals: Improving Quality, Patient Safety, and Employee Engagement,  . 2nd ed. New York: Productivity Press, 2011. Print Hwang, Clayton, M.D., Christensen, Jason, Grossman, Jerome. The Innovators Prescription. New York: McGraw Hill, 2009. Print. Read More