Workplace violence prevention standardization using lean principles across a healthcare network

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Safety
• Process Improvement

Background:

• Workplace violence is a significant concern in healthcare.
• Existing Workplace Violence Prevention Programs (WVPP) require standardization for optimal effectiveness.
• Competing demands on staff time impact program implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the standardization of a WVPP across a five-hospital healthcare system.
• To implement lean process improvement principles for WVPP compliance.
• To streamline threat assessment and education processes within the WVPP.

Main Methods:

• Utilized lean process improvement principles.
• Focused on streamlining and standardizing WVPP processes.
• Ensured compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

Main Results:

• Achieved significant standardization in threat assessment and education.
• Ensured full compliance with major US Department of Labor OSHA requirements.
• Realized substantial time savings for clinical staff.

Conclusions:

• The standardization of WVPP using lean principles is effective.
• This initiative frees up clinician time for patient care.
• Improved customer satisfaction and risk mitigation were observed.