Learning Lean healthcare with technology

The healthcare industry is going through some massive changes, spearheaded by the recent drive to convert paper files into digital electronic health records (EHRs). Participating hospitals and clinics can receive upward of $40,000 for making the transition, which is expected to improve collaboration between physicians, reduce the number of mistakes made, bolster the quality of care and drive down the cost of healthcare throughout the United States.

This has led to physicians reflecting on the way they operate in other senses. They are opening up to using more technology and changing age-old practices and policies to become more efficient. Lean healthcare is quickly becoming a known quantity, as it enables doctors to reduce waste while also maximizing efficiency.

Some physicians are even enabling their transition to Lean healthcare through technology. They realize that the internet and mobile devices can facilitate their understanding and implementation of these concepts and practices, allowing them to switch to Lean operations in a seamless fashion.

For example, one report released by the Guardian Profession suggests that online training classes enable healthcare companies to learn about Lean practices in a convenient, efficient manner. Making the time for in-person training and events can be difficult, especially in busy work environments such as hospitals and private practices, so learning online makes sense in that regard.

Additionally, the fact that web training can be broken down into modules makes it easy for hospital workers and staff to learn at their own pace, when they have time. Online training ensures all staff can access the entire training program, even if they are gone during a specific training session or are too busy to attend live sessions.

“All staff must have access to development – it is the same argument as for staff health – if you don't invest then staff will be less engaged,” said Dr. Sian Williams, a clinical director at the Health and Work Development Unit, as quoted by Virtual College.

Other organizations are taking different approaches. For example, MCS Media recently published an educational application in Apple's App Store that can be downloaded on the iPad. This program is designed to help front-line associates, quality managers and C-level executives understand the principles and practices that power Lean healthcare.

Technology has a number of uses, and physicians looking to integrate Lean healthcare should take advantage of these tools to help in the implementation of these practices and concepts.