In today’s information age we are constantly bombarded with new discoveries.  We have become so accustomed to new thoughts and ideas being introduced that only rarely does a concept come along that so flies in the face of conventional wisdom that it is truly fascinating.  I was recently introduced to such an idea in an article from a May 2007 issue of Newsweek. 

The article (“Doctors Change the Way They Think About Death”) describes the research of Dr. Lance Becker, the Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Resuscitation Science.  Dr. Becker’s research on when and how cell death occurs challenges the traditional approach to heart attack treatment practiced daily in ERs throughout our country.  While I am certainly in no position to weigh in on the clinical merits or deficiencies of this work, I can say with confidence that this is one of many examples in recent history where medical research has challenged conventional wisdom to realize significant breakthroughs.

I Thought This Was A Lean Blog!

You may at this point be thinking, “Yes, an interesting article but how does this have anything to do with Lean and process improvement in healthcare?”  Simply put, research like Dr. Becker’s is a testament to the energy and innovation with which healthcare pursues improved methods of treatment.  As a Lean thinker, the question that this brings to mind is, “Isn’t it time to place the same level of energy and innovation toward HOW care is delivered?” 

As we work with healthcare providers across the country we see a consistent theme of modern treatment accompanied by out dated processes.  So often we observe processes and value streams that are an eclectic patchwork of personal preferences, regulatory guidelines and none other than conventional wisdoms.  In order to bring these processes up to speed with the treatment they deliver we must begin to question and innovate. 

Lean is the perfect tool to lead this new wave of innovation as it fosters the constant questioning of each step in the process and the value that it adds.  True innovation can occur through this process, transforming the patient experience while assuring the safety and efficiency of care.  The opportunities are abundant but in order to improve we must begin the hard work of challenging the conventional wisdoms of the industry to discover new and innovative ways to deliver care.

This week’s blog was written by HPP’s Marshall Leslie. Marshall, a Six Sigma Blackbelt, oversees various HPP projects and Lean Healthcare transformations for clients throughout the USA.  As a former multiple year “top-ten percent” performer at General Electric, Marshall brings clients the much needed tools and techniques needed in any industry, including healthcare. Marshall is a graduate of General Electric’s Operations Management Leadership Program; he has experience in various supply chain capacities including quality engineering and global sourcing for both GE and Procter & Gamble. Marshall’s expertise in both Six Sigma and Lean enables him to apply a broad spectrum of process improvement tools tailored to the healthcare industry’s needs. He holds a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech.