Work simplification. Does it work simply?
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The evolution of the modern clinical laboratory has produced a gap between medical/scientific competence on the one hand and management skills on the other. Physician-managers need both sets of competencies. Concepts of operations management and cost accounting shape criteria for strategic decisions in technology improvement programs. Automation and work-simplification are key strategies for improving cost performance in clinical laboratories.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
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The Enhanced Productivity Program is based on an organizational audit of a dietary department by a foodservice consultant. The objective of the program was to enhance department productivity by increasing personnel efficiency through work simplification and work organization principles while maintaining quality standards. The Enhanced Productivity Program comprises 13 subsystems that interact to affect overall productivity of the department. The program was structured by a task-oriented program schedule that identified tasks to be carried out in each subsystem. A system diagram detailed time frames and milestones guiding each task to completion. A comprehensive work plan was developed for each task. Time and motion studies carried out before and after implementation of program changes demonstrate a savings of 9.27 labor hours per day. Trayline speed increased from 1.7 trays to 3 trays per minute. Improved personnel efficiency allowed an 11% growth in meal volume in 6 months, thus improving departmental productivity.
Fatigue was studied in 12 subjects with post-polio sequelae (PPS). Results of the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) demonstrated a mean score of 4.8 +/- 1.6 (non-disabled scores = 2.3 +/- 0.7). The Human Activity Profile (HAP) was not sensitive enough to measure fatigue. Fifty percent of subjects scored below the first percentile based on age and sex matched norms. The Activity Record (ACTRE) results revealed that subjects spent 5% of their time resting and 1% in planning or preparation activities. Fatigue peaked in the late morning or early afternoon and was relieved by rest periods. Use of energy conservation and work simplification skills along with frequent rest periods was suggested as a possible method for managing PPS fatigue.
Patients with low back pain are among the largest group of health care consumers today. During an episode of acute back pain the patient may be hospitalized for diagnostic workup and medical management, processes to which occupational therapists can contribute. The occupational therapist's evaluation includes assessment of the patient's activities of daily living and understanding of back protection and pain behaviors. The therapist involves the patient in managing his or her back problem by teaching problem-solving skills and identifying appropriate life-style changes. Instruction is provided in proper body mechanics, anatomy of the spine, work simplification, relaxation, and adaptive methods of performing daily activities. Given the short hospitalization period, outpatient follow-up may be provided to facilitate the application of information learned in the hospital to home and work settings. The goal of occupational therapy is to help the patient with low back pain return to a productive life-style.
Individuals experiencing post-polio sequelae (PPS) are usually advised to make significant lifestyle changes to lessen symptoms and prevent further decline in function. These individuals have spent most of their lives equating success with over-achievement and find it difficult to implement such recommendations. As specialists in energy conservation and work simplification, occupational therapyists increasingly are being called on to evaluate and treat these patients. Over the past 2 years, an occupational therapy educational program has been developed to educate patients about their condition and about ways to implement lifestyle changes while preserving the ability to do valued activities. This article describes the components of a thorough occupational therapy evaluation and the design and functional outcomes of a successful occupational therapy educational program to treat PPS.
Rehabilitation and nursing care of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis require a comprehensive team effort. The primary purpose of rehabilitation is to restore these elderly women to an optimal level of well-being and activity and return them to home and community life as soon as possible. Medical management, rehabilitative nursing and physical therapy are interdependent. Emphasis is placed on estrogen replacement to prevent further fractures and height loss, individualization of care, early ambulation, improving patient confidence, physiotherapy procedures, orthopedic supports, optimal nutrition, safety precautions, work simplification, occupational therapy and the need for appropriate social contacts. The economic, physical and emotional consequences of deforming postmenopausal osteoporosis are enormous. Current research indicates that this disease is preventible. An effective program of prophylaxis is needed now; otherwise many more women will need increasing amounts of costly rehabilitation.