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“We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them” said one of the greatest scientists of all times - Albert Einstein. Lean practitioners use a number of tools and apply several strategies to solve problems on their Lean improvement projects. This course introduces the problem solving frameworks applied to healthcare services. A number of Problem Solving tools such as the Five Whys, Root Cause Analysis, Fishbone Diagram, and Brainstorming are discussed in the course.   Read more

Many Lean implementations involve value stream mapping (VSM) to establish where and how improvements can be made in process flow and over quality. Lean tools that promote order in the workplace and prevent defects, mistakes, and errors also help improve process efficiency, and therefore optimize flow. This course introduced Lean tools and practices that can be used to reduce variation and improve quality in healthcare organizations. It explains the perils of variation in healthcare processes, and outlines basic steps for successfully implementing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Quality at the Source, Mistake proofing/poka-yoke, and Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques. Read more

Organizational transformation is a long-term goal, and only happens when an organization’s strategic capabilities are built and sustained over a long period of time. Sustaining Lean improvement requires an employee-supported Lean culture, timely communication, interlocking leadership involvement, and the capacity to wield a variety of control and monitoring tools. This course surveys the key constituents of a Lean culture, and introduces tools and systems used by leading organizations both to maintain improvements and continually reach for more. The course examines tools and practices such as leader standard work, huddles, Andon, control plans, performance audits, Lean documentation, and statistical process control (SPC).   Read more

Kaizen focuses on the principles and methods of daily continuous improvement, and builds the foundation for implementing Lean principles in the organization. Kaizen events are organized as the continuous search for opportunities for all processes to get better. Kaizen uses Lean tools and practices such as 5S, poka yoke, leveling, and Kanban to achieve these goals. This course focuses on Kaizen. It introduces key Kaizen concepts, types, and Kaizen events. The course outlines the requirements for an efficient Kaizen event and describes the benefits that a successful Kaizen event can offer to healthcare organizations. Read more

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is arguably the most important tool in Lean. It involves a process of directly observing the flows of information, patients, and resources as they occur, summarizing them visually, and then envisioning a future state with performance addressed. This course focuses on creating and using current and future value stream maps for healthcare organizations. It expands on the basic concepts relating to VSM and discusses how they can be applied practically in a healthcare organization. The steps to create actual value stream maps are covered, along with how to perform the analysis to make improvements. Read more

Having taken White and Yellow Belt training, you will develop an in-depth understanding of those essential Lean tools and practices that can be applied to increase efficiency and quality of service; improve access to service; increase capacity; improve satisfaction among staff and community and create an ongoing culture of continuous quality improvement. The Green Belt program will develop the capability and skills to facilitate/lead improvement initiatives within your organization. The program enables immediate application and benefit through a requirement to complete a workplace improvement project. This ‘apply-it now’ approach can generate tangible benefits for your organization. For example, recent Green Belt projects have focused on improving: Vaccine and medication ordering Intake process for infant and child development programs Condom distribution Student flow through VPD immunization clinics Purchase, storage, assembly and delivery of harm reduction kits As well as live instructor-led training, participants receive access to a subject matter expert mentor throughout the program. Our mentors have significant experience supporting public health organizations and will provide guidance on all aspects of the program – subject matter queries, project scoping and execution. Assessment: Workplace improvement project and online exam Prerequisite: Lean Sigma White and Yellow Belt certification Training Schedule October 28th, 29th and 30th, 2025 November 4th, 5th and 6th, 2025 *Zoom links will be provided to registrants before the first session of this program commences.  Leading Edge Group Trainer: Annette Sonneveld Annette Sonneveld has over 35 years experience at various public health units across Ontario including Kent Chatham, Middlesex London, North York and Toronto Public Health. She has extensive knowledge and experience managing complex assignments; leading and directing teams; implementing quality improvement and performance management projects and facilitating training. Annette provided leadership and expertise to promote a culture of quality improvement, not only at Toronto Public Health, but across the City of Toronto through her involvement on various city-wide workgroups and committees. Annette has led multidisciplinary teams, including quality improvement specialists and program evaluators. She has led or participated in many continuous quality improvement (CQI) projects such as increasing the efficiency in processing reportable disease notifications; reducing immunization field data entry errors and increasing the efficiency of student placements. Annette has also provided internal support for many public health staff as they earned their Lean White, Yellow and Green Belts through Leading Edge Group, and developed and implemented Toronto Public Health’s first quality improvement training plan. Annette was a member of the 4-year Locally Driven Collaborative Research Project for CQI in Public Health in Ontario and continues to be a member of the Provincial CQI Community of Practice for Public Health. A qualified Lean Black Belt, Annette also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Windsor. Cancellations and Refunds: Notification of cancelation within 14 days of purchase date – 100% refund less the appropriate cancellation fees of CAD - 250$ Notification of cancelation before 4 weeks of course date – 50% refund less the appropriate cancellation fees of CAD - 250$ Notification of cancelation within 4 weeks of course date – No refund All fees quoted are subject to relevant tax Read more