Integration of Lean Visual Management Tools Into Quality Improvement Practices in the Hospital Setting

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Lean management principles enhance healthcare reliability.
• Challenges in a thoracic and cardiovascular surgery unit included unstructured leader rounds and poor patient experience.
• Need for improved methods to address unit-specific issues and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement Kamishibai Cards (K-Cards) to address identified issues.
• To standardize processes, engage patients, and identify barriers/solutions.
• To positively impact nurse-sensitive indicators and patient experience outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized nurse-sensitive indicator prevention bundles, root cause analysis, and best practices.
• Developed targeted Kamishibai Cards (K-Cards) for specific measures.
• Implemented K-Cards to standardize care and foster staff engagement.

Main Results:

• Kamishibai Rounding positively impacted nurse-sensitive indicators and patient experience metrics.
• K-Cards facilitated a continuous improvement environment.
• Supported the sustainability of evidence-based and best practices.

Conclusions:

• Kamishibai Cards (K-Cards) leverage high-reliability principles.
• Standardized nursing practice through K-Cards leads to improved quality outcomes.
• Effective tool for promoting continuous quality improvement in healthcare settings.