Using systems thinking to extend continuous quality improvement.

R Benson; N Harp

PubMed · 10136742

Using systems thinking to extend continuous quality improvement.

Abstract

Traditional CQI tools have proven effective in improving discrete processes, but the strengths of these tools often render them inappropriate to improve complex systems made up of multiple processes. After finding that CQI tools failed to reduce emergency department waiting times, a QI team applied systems thinking tools and learned that the cause of delays was rooted in interrelationships among processes, such as the impact on laboratory testing when emergent and routine patients arrived back to back. Computer modeling allowed the team to reject some quick fixes--such as adding ED beds--that simulations showed would be ineffective. By reorganizing patient flow and automating hospitalwide bed control, the team so far has reduced waiting times 19 percent and increased patient satisfaction despite an increase in census.

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Computer Simulation Data Collection Efficiency, Organizational Emergency Service, Hospital Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499 Interdepartmental Relations Management Quality Circles Oregon Process Assessment, Health Care Systems Theory Time and Motion Studies Total Quality Management Journal Article

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R Benson, N Harp. Using systems thinking to extend continuous quality improvement.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10136742/

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