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Change occurs before, during, and after any Lean implementation. The ability to manage change and overcome resistance to change is fundamental to implementing Lean. Change management helps create the platform for continuous and sustained improvements. It involves transitioning from the current state to a desired future state. This course explains how to understand change and how best to manage it during and after a Lean Implementation. It explains the roles of communication, team building, and leadership in managing the resistance to change that can occur in any Lean implementation project.   Some course materials may reference Leading Edge Group or display legacy branding, reflecting the history of the program. All North American delivery and learner support are provided by the same team that developed the program and are now operating as Leading Edge Associates. Read more

Description Lean and project management methodologies are a synergistic match made for tackling the implementation challenges of continuous improvement in a healthcare context. This course explores essential elements and best practices of project management that help teams successfully manage Lean programs and processes in a healthcare organization. It explains the relationship between project, program, and portfolio management; outlines the methodology of project management; and focuses on strategies for managing scope, documentation, risk, and communication in Lean programs. Some course materials may reference Leading Edge Group or display legacy branding, reflecting the history of the program. All North American delivery and learner support are provided by the same team that developed the program and are now operating as Leading Edge Associates.   Read more

This course presents PDCA, or more appropriately PDSA in the healthcare context, and A3 as a structured improvement method used in healthcare organizations. The course introduces these tools and presents several examples of their application in implementing change, solving problems, and continuously improving processes in the healthcare sector. It also covers two important team aspects to achieve these goals - team communication and project management. Some course materials may reference Leading Edge Group or display legacy branding, reflecting the history of the program. All North American delivery and learner support are provided by the same team that developed the program and are now operating as Leading Edge Associates. Read more

"Well begun is half done" goes a popular saying. That's why it's so important to carefully plan and initiate your Lean activities. This course covers identifying improvement opportunities in your organization; understanding the value chain; identifying patients and clients, and what is important to them; and project initiation activities. Tools such as SIPOC, the Voice of the Customer, and Critical to Quality are introduced. The course also outlines steps in developing a project charter, and securing alignment with project stakeholders. Some course materials may reference Leading Edge Group or display legacy branding, reflecting the history of the program. All North American delivery and learner support are provided by the same team that developed the program and are now operating as Leading Edge Associates. Read more

“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. Some course materials may reference Leading Edge Group or display legacy branding, reflecting the history of the program. All North American delivery and learner support are provided by the same team that developed the program and are now operating as Leading Edge Associates.   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. Some course materials may reference Leading Edge Group or display legacy branding, reflecting the history of the program. All North American delivery and learner support are provided by the same team that developed the program and are now operating as Leading Edge Associates. Read more