Introduction to Lean

Question 1

What is lean?

Answer 1

method for redesigning systems to focus on giving 100% value to the customer, ultimately the patient

Question 2

Lean is not … (3)

Answer 2

1. workforce reduction tactic
2. resource reduction effort
3. cost reduction program

Question 3

What is six sigma?

Answer 3

seeks to improve the quality an reliability of process outputs by identifying and removing the causes of errors and minimizing variability in processes
- elimination of defects and variability within processes

Question 4

Lean characteristics

Answer 4

• remove waste
• increase process speed
• eliminate non-value added steps and time in process
• fix connections between steps
• improve process efficiency

Question 5

Six Sigma characteristics

Answer 5

• reduce variation
• improve quality and accuracy
• optimize remaining process steps
• improve process effectiveness

Question 6

What does Lean and Six Sigma have in common?

Answer 6

• higher quality
• better safety record
• improved care
• increased patient satisfaction
• faster and more efficient processes
• lower costs

Question 7

What is value added activity?

Answer 7

activities or actions taken that add real value to the service

Question 8

What is non-value added work?

Answer 8

activities or actions taken that add no real value to the service, making such activities or action a form of waste

Question 9

What is non-value added but necessary work?

Answer 9

work that must be completed but the patient doesn’t view as value added

Question 10

How do we add value?

Answer 10

• how people work
• how people interact with each other
• how services flow
• how problems are identified and address

Question 11

Activities must be …

Answer 11

1. content
2. sequence
3. timing
4. location
5. expected outcome

Question 12

Connections must be …

Answer 12

1. highly specified
2. direct link
3. clear yes/no signals back and forth

Question 13

Pathways must be …

Answer 13

1. highly specified
2. predefined, single path
3. simple and direct
4. no loops or forks

Question 14

What are the 8 forms of waste?

Answer 14

1. Transport
2. Inventory
3. Motion
4. Wait
5. Over production
6. Over/Under Processing
7. Defects/Rework
8. Staff’s Unused Potential

Question 15

What is value stream mapping?

Answer 15

a graphic map of all steps that occur form the specific request for a product/service to the actual delivery of that product/service

Question 16

What is the value quotient?

Answer 16

VQ= The Value Added Time/Total Time

Question 17

Gap

Answer 17

the space between the ideal state of things and what is really happening