A3 Problem Solving for Healthcare by Cindy Jimmerson

A3 Problem Solving for Healthcare by Cindy Jimmerson

The A3 process is a way to look with "new eyes" at a specific problem identified by direct observation or experience. It offers a structure that begins by always defining the issue through the eyes of the customer. In A3 Problem Solving for Healthcare Cindy Jimmerson explains an essential tool borrowed from the Toyota Production System, which is an extension of work identified with the well-known Value Stream Map. She offers an easy-to-learn problem-solving method that can be used in every aspect of healthcare to identify, understand, and improve processes that don't support workers in doing their good work. In this compelling book you get: The expertise of a recognized industry expert in Lean principles A practical, easy-to-use workbook Concepts illustrated with numerous A3s in various stages of development Explanation of how to extend the VSM philosophy to a more focused perspective An extensive exploration of the A3 problem-solving tool in healthcare—the first book to do so Through case studies and actual A3s, this book illustrates the simplicity and completeness of the A3 tool and its applications to regulatory documentation as well as activities of daily work.

When applying Lean thinking successfully to healthcare, two things are of paramount importance: (1) Keeping it simple and (2) Providing an engaging route map for improvementWith A3 Problem Solving for Healthcare, you get the recipe for both. I thoroughly recommend it.—Professor Peter Hines, Director, Lean Enterprise Research Centre, Cardiff University, UK
Doing more, better, faster, and with less is our new reality. Cindy, because of her curiosity, creativity and clinical acumen, demonstrates that solutions originating outside of our healthcare enterprise can realize (previously) unrealized results.—Professor Kathy Okland, RN, MPH, Clinical Applications Consultant, Herman Miller Healthcare

What a great book to address a huge gap in healthcare process improvement! Having a source book to teach continuous change and illustrate waste reduction based on the Toyota Production System to busy healthcare practitioners has been sorely lacking until now. I have used the A3 in my hospital and it works! Clinical workers can see the entire project on one piece of paper as well as areas of obvious waste. Since the A3 clearly focuses on changing processes, the clinical workers are motivated to communicate across silos, successfully implement countermeasures, and look at the achieved target condition as the new current condition. The illustrations are superb and I loved all the practical examples. Great work Cindy!—James Nesbitt, MD, MMM, Project Manager, Providence Alaska Medical Center

This book is to be recommended for all hospitals that want to work with Lean and the A3 Problem Solving methodology. The book gives a great view of how The Toyota Production System can be applied to Healthcare all over the world. This book is written by a clinician for clinicians and is the book we have been waiting for.—Inge Holck, General Manager, Lean Healthcare Europe

Cindy Jimmerson is a pioneer of lean healthcare, having initiated her work with a grant from the National Science Foundation (2001- 2004). She is the founder and president of Lean Healthcare West, an organization of healthcare professionals offering education and implementation of TPS/lean principles in hospital, clinic, and long-term care facilities. She is the author of the reVIEW(c) Course and Workbook and many journal publications.

The basic work for this book was developed through study and practice by the author, mentoring by manufacturers, healthcare workers, and educators from around the world, and the generous support of the National Science Foundation, . More importantly, it involved the staffs and leaders of more than 60 healthcare organizations who have used this simple but powerful method of looking at work differently as their first step toward improving healthcare delivery. It is their feedback and suggestions that have contributed to the diverse applications of value stream mapping (VSM) for healthcare.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781563273582
ISBN 10	1563273586
Title	A3 Problem Solving for Healthcare
Author	Cindy Jimmerson
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Taylor & Francis Inc
Year published	2007-06-11
Number of pages	176
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.