Streamlining The Interventional Breast Imaging Workflow by Lean Methodology Implementation

Clinical RelevanceProlonged wait times for image-guided breast interventions are ruining the patient experience and negatively affect healthcare workers. Adopting lean methodology helps streamline the process and improve patient satisfaction.PurposeThis is a quality improvement project which aims to create an efficient interventional breast imaging workflow using lean methodology by reducing wastes of all kinds including time and materials. It aims to improve patients’ satisfaction by decreasing the wait timesMaterials and MethodsWe used the lean six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC). The team members used tools such as affinity diagram to define the current problems in the workflow and the root cause of prolonged wait times. Team members gathered observations. Root cause analysis using a fishbone diagram and wasteful steps were identified. Brainstorming sessions discussed ideas for improvement. A consensus was reached on countermeasures and a pilot project was planned.ResultsThe target of decreasing the wait time was met on the days when the counter measures were fully implementedConclusionStreamlining the breast imaging intervention is considered in its preliminary phase; further work and reviews are needed towards full implementation and sustainability. Despite the many challenges, embarking on quality improvement project and promoting lean culture not only helped us to meet the target of decreasing wait time but have improved the work environment and patient satisfaction