The constant improvement of various facets of an organization’s functioning is a fundamental aspect of its work. At the same time, it is vital to ensure the absence of critical mistakes or their effective management when they emerge. Under these conditions, the concept of lean management acquires the top priority. It implies managing an organization in a way that supports continuous improvement and increased attention to factors that might result in critical mistakes (Dennis, 2007). For healthcare units, lean management is also fundamental as it helps to improve outcomes and ensure that the most common mistakes influencing patients are addressed correctly.
Jidoka can be considered one of the lean management techniques. It implies the automation of specific processes and employees’ behaviors, as they should be capable of identifying errors and responding to them (Dennis, 2007). From the case, it is possible to see the real-life application of the principle, stating that every worker should possess instructions and knowledge critical for performing tasks (Virginia Mason Institute, 2015). The effectiveness of this approach comes from using supportive devices and solutions, helping to automatize the process and, at the same time, reducing the probability of mistakes. Standardized practices, such as preventive screenings in hospital settings, might reduce the chance of error and help to attain desired goals.
Poka-yoke is another crucial concept within jidoka and lean management. It implies using simple and low-cost devices or practices to detect abnormal situations before they occur. It helps to avoid undesired outcomes by eliminating the need to check for common mistakes (Dennis, 2007). The case shows that using electronic medical records to make patients’ needs more visible helped the unit to evolve. At the same time, poka-yoke ensures that workers will be able to perform high-complexity tasks due to the existence of supportive practices and devices helping them (Gwendolyn, 2011). It allows workers to avoid stress because they need to control possible mistakes and focus on current tasks.
Combining jidoka and poka-yoke techniques, it is possible to create the basis for continuous improvement. The case shows that implementation of these practices helped to align proactive care with the reduced level of mistakes (Virginia Mason Institute, 2015). It means that reconsidering the work of an organization regarding the continuous improvement principles might have numerous positive effects both on workers and clients. By employing low-cost devices to create visual signals, reduce stress levels, and create recognizable images, an organization can save money as the level of critical mistakes will be reduced. In such a way, jidoka and poka-yoke concepts are essential for organizations and companies that try to reorganize their functioning regarding the basic lean management principles.
References
Dennis, P. (2007). Lean production simplified (2nd ed). Productivity Press.
Gwendolyn, G. (2011). Poka-yoke and the error-free hospital [Audio podcast]. VoiceAmerica. Web.
Virginia Mason Institute. (2015). Mistake-proofing primary care. Web.