A Lean Project jumps in like a superhero to fix a specific problem quickly and make processes smoother. Meanwhile, a QAPI Goal is more like a seasoned coach, keeping an eye on the big picture over time to make sure everything stays on track.
Knowing the difference helps you play your part – whether you’re part of a fast-action Lean team or a data-watching QAPI pro. Let’s dive into how they work!
A Lean Project is a short-term, focused effort to:
Fix a specific process problem.
Reduce waste or delays.
Make work easier and more efficient.
IT HAS:
A clear problem to solve.
A start and end point.
Action steps and testing.
EXAMPLE:
"We notice check-in is taking too long. We will work on a plan to cut the time down to 5 minutes or less."
A QAPI Goal is an ongoing plan to:
Monitor important outcomes over time.
Track data regularly.
Make sure we are consistently meeting standards.
IT HAS:
Long-term monitoring.
Regular reports and discussions.
A focus on trends and improvements.
EXAMPLE:
"We want patient falls to stay below 2 per month, so we will check fall data every month."
QAPI might spot a problem; a Lean project helps fix the problem; then QAPI keeps monitoring to make sure the fix works over time.
Quick Tip: When you're working on a Lean Project, you are part of a team making a change. When you're helping with a QAPI Goal, you are watching the data to keep the goal on track.
Dr. Angie Schierer is an accomplished C-suite executive consultant specializing in rural healthcare administration. With a robust background in operations, quality, process improvement, and team development, she thrives on tackling new challenges and leading diverse teams through transformational growth and innovative thinking.
Ready to put Angie and our team to work for you? Contact us today to get started!