Using Lean, Six Sigma and Human Factors to prevent patients from falling

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

This presentation will discuss how Lean, Six Sigma and Human Factors Engineering were used to prevent falls for oncology patients. Highlights from three case studies conducted as part of research for PhD requirements will be reviewed. Advantages and disadvantages of the three different mythologies will be compared as they were used to prevent patients from falling while in the hospital.

Case Study #1 used Lean techniques such as standard work to improve fall risk assessment and intervention selection.

Case Study #2 used Six Sigma tools to investigate root causes of falls. An intervention called “Patient Partnering” was developed to encourage patients to call for help and participate in preventing their own falls. There were no falls with serious injury for over 12 months.

Case Study #3 was a qualitative study based on Human Factors principles to understand patient’s perception of fall risk. It was found that patients did not think they would fall and felt particularly safe and protected while in hospital.

Laurie Wolf, M.S., CPE, CSSBB

Laurie Wolf is a Certified Professional Ergonomist with a Master’s degree in Human Factors Engineering from the college of Industrial Engineering at Virginia Tech.  During 22 years of healthcare experience, her work in Occupational Medicine increased productivity, lowered injury rates, and reduced worker compensation costs by implementing innovative ergonomic solutions.

Her best practices program in Slip and Fall prevention won a research partnership award from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.  Laurie is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt from the American Society of Quality. Her recent Lean/Six Sigma work at Barnes/Jewish Hospital involves patient safety, error proofing techniques, and a focus on process improvement from hospital admission to discharge.

ASQ St. Louis Section Monthly Dinner Meeting

Tuesday, May 19, 2015
05:30 PM – 09:00 PM Central

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