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Process Improvement

Editor: Amy L. Leber1
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Affiliations: 1: Editor in chief, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
Content Type: Reference
Publication Year: 2016

Category: Clinical Microbiology

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Abstract:

Using a scientific approach for process improvement requires using data to evaluate the current situation, analyze and improve processes, and track progress (FOCUS [ Fig. 14.1.1–1 ]). In the context of the plan-do-check-act cycle (PDCA [ Fig. 14.1.1–2 ]), data and analytical tools are used throughout the do, check, and act portions. This section will help in understanding what each tool reveals about the process being improved, when to use it, and how to use it. An overall outline of a typical process improvement project can be seen in Appendix 14.1.1–1. Specific examples related to the process improvement project outline from Appendix 14.1.1–1 can be seen in Appendix 14.1.1–2.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Process Improvement
Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
/content/10.1128/9781555818814.chap14.1.1.fig14.1.1-1
Figure 14.1.1–1
Diagram of the FOCUS summary of process improvement.
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Figure 14.1.1–1

Diagram of the FOCUS summary of process improvement.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1–2
Strategy: diagram of the plan-do-check-act cycle for process improvement. (From M. Brassard, Goal/QPC, Salem, NH, 1998.)
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Image of Figure 14.1.1–2
Figure 14.1.1–2

Strategy: diagram of the plan-do-check-act cycle for process improvement. (From M. Brassard, Goal/QPC, Salem, NH, 1998.)

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.1–A1
Outline of a typical process improvement project.
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Figure 14.1.1.1–A1

Outline of a typical process improvement project.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A1
The project title describes the process improvement project.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A1
Figure 14.1.1.2–A1

The project title describes the process improvement project.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A2
The aim allows the team to focus on the goal of the process improvement project.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A2
Figure 14.1.1.2–A2

The aim allows the team to focus on the goal of the process improvement project.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A3
The team is assembled to establish its purpose, process, and measures of team progress.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A3
Figure 14.1.1.2–A3

The team is assembled to establish its purpose, process, and measures of team progress.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A4
Flowchart of process.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A4
Figure 14.1.1.2–A4

Flowchart of process.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A5
The cause-and-effect fishbone diagram allows team members to find and cure causes, not symptoms. This allows a team to identify, explore, and graphically display, in increasing detail, all of the possible causes related to a problem or condition to discover its root causes(s).
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A5
Figure 14.1.1.2–A5

The cause-and-effect fishbone diagram allows team members to find and cure causes, not symptoms. This allows a team to identify, explore, and graphically display, in increasing detail, all of the possible causes related to a problem or condition to discover its root causes(s).

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A6
Data from a process are summarized and graphically presented.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A6
Figure 14.1.1.2–A6

Data from a process are summarized and graphically presented.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A7
The intervention describes what action will be taken to improve the process.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A7
Figure 14.1.1.2–A7

The intervention describes what action will be taken to improve the process.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A8
The actions for process improvement are documented each month.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A8
Figure 14.1.1.2–A8

The actions for process improvement are documented each month.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A9
The control chart is a graphic display of the data as the process change evolves over time.(
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A9
Figure 14.1.1.2–A9

The control chart is a graphic display of the data as the process change evolves over time.(

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A10
The impact statements describe the process change.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A10
Figure 14.1.1.2–A10

The impact statements describe the process change.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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Figure 14.1.1.2–A11
The process improvement is observed over time to maintain the change.
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Image of Figure 14.1.1.2–A11
Figure 14.1.1.2–A11

The process improvement is observed over time to maintain the change.

Citation: Leber A. 2016. Process Improvement, p 14.1.1.1-14.1.1.14. In Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook, Fourth Edition. ASM Press, Washington, DC.
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