Mistake-Proofing Healthcare: Why stopping processes may be a good start Case Solution And Analysis, HBR Case Study Solution & Analysis of Harvard Case Studies

Two significant health problems are rising costs and medical errors. These two issues are linked: elimination of medical errors leads to significant cost savings. We provide example, ThedaCare Inc, which has improved both problems by providing mechanisms that stop healthcare processes. While businesses often consider that they were stopped as a negative process, increase downtime, and the creation of technological disturbances often precedes increased productivity. A good rule of thumb: when in doubt, stop. This concept of creating or engineering failures in the processes associated with two "lean" concepts that come from the production of Toyota: Jidoka and Poka-yoke. Range of methods for stopping processes is discussed, from prevention in the work environment of mechanical devices designed to stop the process and empowering people to stop this process. Preliminary results achieved at ThedaCare demonstrate financial and medical improvements that can be obtained from the use of these techniques. "Hide
by John R. Grout, John S. Toussaint Source: Business Horizons 8 pages. Publication Date: March 15, 2010. Prod. #: BH376-PDF-ENG