Explain the following: A Gemba Walk Six Sigma Management by Moving Around Joint Commission’s 2020 National Patient Safety Goals (Hospital)

QUESTION

Explain the following:

1. A Gemba Walk
2. Six Sigma
3. Management by Moving Around
4. Joint Commission’s 2020 National Patient Safety Goals (Hospital)

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Required Format:

Title Page

Introduction

A Gemba Walk (APA Level 1 Heading)

Six Sigma (APA Level 1 Heading)

Management by Moving Around (APA Level 1 Heading)

Joint Commission’s 2020 National Patient Safety Goals (APA Level 1 Heading)

Conclusion

ANSWER

Title Page

Introduction

A Gemba Walk

A Gemba Walk is a management technique that originated in Japan and is commonly used in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. The term “gemba” refers to the actual place where work is done, such as the factory floor or the service area in a hospital. The Gemba Walk involves managers and leaders going to the gemba to observe, engage, and learn from the employees performing the work.

During a Gemba Walk, managers aim to gain a firsthand understanding of the processes, identify inefficiencies or waste, and gather insights for improvement. The purpose is to bridge the gap between management and frontline workers, fostering collaboration and empowering employees to contribute ideas for process optimization. By physically being present at the gemba, managers can ask questions, provide support, and gather valuable information that may not be apparent from reports or data alone.

Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology and set of tools that aims to improve process performance by reducing defects or variations. The goal of Six Sigma is to achieve a level of quality that allows for only 3.4 defects per million opportunities. It focuses on systematically identifying and eliminating the root causes of problems and defects in order to enhance customer satisfaction and organizational efficiency (An Overview of Six Sigma on JSTOR, n.d.).

The methodology follows a structured approach known as DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. In the Define phase, the project goals and customer requirements are clarified. In the Measure phase, data is collected to assess the current process performance. The Analyze phase involves analyzing the data to identify the root causes of variations. In the Improve phase, process improvements are implemented, and in the Control phase, measures are put in place to sustain the improvements and monitor ongoing performance.

Management by Moving Around

Management by Moving Around, also known as MBMA, is a management style that emphasizes the importance of leaders actively engaging with employees and gaining firsthand knowledge about their work. It involves managers regularly moving around the workplace, interacting with employees, and observing operations to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

MBMA recognizes that effective management cannot be solely based on reports or second-hand information (The Handbook on Management Theories, n.d.). By physically moving around the workplace, managers can build relationships, provide guidance, and assess the effectiveness of processes and systems. This management approach fosters open communication, encourages employee engagement, and enables managers to make informed decisions based on direct observations and interactions.

Joint Commission’s 2020 National Patient Safety Goals (Hospital)

The Joint Commission is an independent, nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States. Each year, the Joint Commission establishes National Patient Safety Goals (NPSGs) that healthcare organizations should prioritize to improve patient safety and quality of care.

The 2020 NPSGs for hospitals encompass several key areas, including patient identification, improving communication, medication safety, infection prevention, and reducing the risk of patient harm. These goals provide specific guidelines and standards for hospitals to follow in order to ensure safe and effective care delivery (Masica et al., 2009).

For instance, one of the goals may be to improve communication between healthcare providers by implementing standardized handoff processes during patient transfers. Another goal may focus on reducing the risk of patient falls by implementing fall prevention strategies and conducting regular assessments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Gemba Walk is a management technique that involves leaders going to the actual work area to observe and learn from employees. Six Sigma is a data-driven methodology for process improvement, aiming to reduce defects and variations. Management by Moving Around emphasizes active engagement and observation to better understand employees’ work and improve management decisions. The Joint Commission’s 2020 National Patient Safety Goals provide guidelines for hospitals to enhance patient safety and quality of care. These management approaches and patient safety goals contribute to creating more effective and efficient organizations and improving the overall patient experience.

References

An Overview of Six Sigma on JSTOR. (n.d.). https://www.jstor.org/stable/27919650 

Masica, A. L., Richter, K., Convery, P., & Haydar, Z. (2009). Linking Joint Commission Inpatient Core Measures and National Patient Safety Goals with Evidence. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 22(2), 103–111. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2009.11928486 

The Handbook on Management Theories. (n.d.). Google Books. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=6ABUhfT0wo0C&oi=fnd&pg=PR4&dq=Management+by+Moving+Around,+also+known+as+MBMA,+is+a+management+style+that+emphasizes+the+importance+of+leaders+&ots=uZZHOTALcQ&sig=JgBjluQCQHgZCHlLBaJnuyndBNA