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Richard Rahn
Basic Level Expert Author
Joined EzineArticles on Feb 1, 2010 Standard Work in the OR
Health and Fitness: Healthcare Systems • Published: September 15, 2010
Standard Work is a core concept in Lean, and so naturally it applies to work done in the OR. The concern is this: modern medicine has become so complex and specialized that Standard Work (including the use of checklists) is critically important. In this short article we examine some of the history of Standard Work, and present the Process Maturity Scale as a tool to assess the level of maturity for OR (or any) processes.
Quick Changeover in the OR
Health and Fitness: Healthcare Systems • Published: September 13, 2010
Changeover in the OR refers to a reduction in the time between procedures, or the time required to prepare an operating room for the next patient. Given the high value of this resource, the OR room, any reduction in the changeover time will allow for increased utilization. In the world of manufacturing, the commonly accepted method for changeover reduction is called SMED. This article examines the application of SMED to hospital environments.
Managing "A" Inventory Items in the OR
Health and Fitness: Healthcare Systems • Published: August 20, 2010
"A" items (the most expensive supplies) in a surgical department (OR) represent millions of dollars in materials and 70% of the total inventory investment for the hospital. Very few hospitals, however, take steps to maintain current and accurate inventory records for this material.
The Par Level Myth Exposed - The Method Nobody Uses (Except Hospitals)
Health and Fitness: Healthcare Systems • Published: June 28, 2010
Would you believe that a dysfunctional supplies management method, called "Par Level", has been adapted as a best practice in a majority of US hospitals? The method is so cumbersome that in its pure form, it can't even be done the way it way designed. It significantly drives up waste associated with counting items, making excessive trips to and from the stockroom, and actually encourages sloppy supplies management practices. The end result: higher healthcare costs, lower staff and patient satisfaction levels, and high investments in supplies and materials.
Par Level Vs Kanban Methods - Which One For Hospital Material Management?
Health and Fitness: Healthcare Systems • Published: March 18, 2010
Many hospitals in the US and around the world use a "par level" system for materials and supplies management, to maintain stocking levels of various supplies on hospital floors and stockroom areas. This method is well accepted and considered state of the art. In manufacturing, however, this method is not only not used at all, but it would be considered unworkable and even crazy. The method of choice for commonly used materials in manufacturing is called Kanban.
Lean, LEED, and Green
Business: Productivity • Published: February 3, 2010
A recent article by F. Kaid Benfield illustrates how Lean principles apply to a debate now taking place among Green Building practitioners. At issue is the fact that six recent award-winning LEED buildings are located such that they are largely or entirely dependent on automobile travel for access.
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