Aspect | Lean | QI |
---|---|---|
Purpose | To focus on patients and become effective and efficient (Theme 1) | |
Definition | Change strategies to continuously improve care processes by engaging employees through the creation of a culture of improvement (Theme 2) | |
Roles | Managers should be present and supportive; front-line staff should take initiatives (Theme 3) | |
Expected effect | A better work environment and lowered costs (Theme 4) | |
In practice | Lean is an operational strategy to improve care processes at the unit level (Theme 7) Lean is a philosophy incorporating strategies and a methods toolbox (Theme 9) | QI is a natural fit for health care and an effective organizational strategy (Theme 5) |
Lessons learned | Exercise caution with terminology which staff might find foreign to health care (Theme 8) | QI enables staff and managers to question and improve work practices (Theme 6) |