E1612. The Utilization of the Toyota Lean Concepts and the Seven Wastes in Improving the Radiology Workplace
Authors
Dimitra Landis;
Westchester Medical Center
Nicholas Mui;
New York Medical College
Hannah Sowalski;
New York Medical College
Ekramul Gofur;
Westchester Medical Center
Mayer Rubin;
Westchester Medical Center
Perry Gerard;
New York Medical College; Westchester Medical Center
Jared Meshekow;
Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Background
The concept of lean manufacturing is most well-known for its use by Toyota vehicle production system and is generally comprised of jidoka and the just-in-time model. Jidoka refers to an intelligent automation process to quickly identify mistakes in a production system, stop and correct the error quickly, and determine the factors contributing to the error to prevent recurrence. Just-in-time refers to “making only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed"; in other words, efficient productivity through waste reduction. The seven primary “wastes” of manufacturing in this model are transportation, inventory, motion, waiting, over-production, and defect.
Educational Goals / Teaching Points
Describe the concept and core components of the Toyota lean manufacturing system, including the seven primary “wastes” of manufacturing. Identify examples of waste and inefficiency in some typical radiologic examinations or procedures. Examine benefits of application of the lean model and waste reduction to radiology.
Key Anatomic/Physiologic Issues and Imaging Findings/Techniques
Concepts from the lean manufacturing system have been implemented successfully in various fields of medicine. With volume of imaging studies ever increasing, radiology departments can also benefit from techniques aimed at improving efficiency. By examining several examples of typical radiology studies or procedures, we can identify potential sources of waste, as categorized by lean manufacturing’s seven primary wastes of production. This allows for targeted waste reduction and improved streamlining; in other words, making the process of obtaining an imaging study or procedure more “lean.”
Conclusion
Ideas from lean manufacturing have already been shown to be effective in several fields of medicine, and can also be generalizable to radiology departments. Emphasizing methods of maximizing efficiency and reducing waste can implemented to improve both departmental workflow and overall patient care.
