Full-Level: A3: Problem Solving in the Laboratory

Price: $1295.00

37.0 Contact Hours. Online/work at your own pace

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6.0 Contact hours ($59.99)

Welcome to A3 Problem Solving for the Diagnostic Medical Laboratory!

Description

A3 Problem Solving is a structured, team-based approach that uses data and process analysis to identify root causes and implement effective solutions in the lab. The method is documented on a single large sheet of paper, divided into eight sections—four outlining the Current State and four defining the Future or Desired State.

In this self-paced course, you will learn how to execute each section to drive lasting problem resolution. Interactive workshops will also be available, providing opportunities to ask questions and learn from fellow lab participants.

By the end of this course, you will be able to formulate an A3, organizing all eight elements into a clear, structured diagram for your lab. You will also integrate key problem-solving tools, including process flow diagrams, the Five Whys, fishbone diagrams, and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, to conduct a thorough A3 problem analysis.

Who Should Take this Course?

This course is designed to provide laboratory managers, administrators, technicians, and all employees involved in a Lean initiative with the necessary skills to complete an A3 Problem Solving tool.

This Course Includes:

• Seven short video lecture presentations: each 7-12 minutes in length
• A Quiz with 10 Questions
• One reflection point (requires critical thinking)
• A case study article review to analyze:
  – Which A3 sections were explained/utilized? Type of before and after data strategies used by authors?
  – Which problem solving tools were best used to get to the root causes?
  – How could the authors have improved the A3?

Learning Objectives

At the completion of this course the learner will be able to:

1. Follow A 3 background/logic
2. Evaluate/interpret each A 3 Element
3. Formulate an A 3, – organize each element of an A 3 diagram for your lab
4. Integrate : process flow diagrams,  five why problem solving, fishbone diagrams, and Plan Do Check Act (PDCA cycles) for your A 3 problem analysis

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This online certificate program is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required to serve as a Lean Practitioner across clinical and healthcare environments. Through interactive learning modules, real-world healthcare case studies, and hands-on assignments, participants will develop a strong foundation in Lean principles, methods, and tools inspired by the Toyota Production System—a globally recognized framework for improving efficiency, quality, and patient-centered care.

This online certificate program is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills required to serve as a Lean Practitioner across clinical and healthcare environments. Through interactive learning modules, real-world healthcare case studies, and hands-on assignments, participants will develop a strong foundation in Lean principles, methods, and tools inspired by the Toyota Production System—a globally recognized framework for improving efficiency, quality, and patient-centered care.

As a Lean Practitioner, you will collaborate closely with healthcare leaders, clinicians, and support teams to embed a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. Your work will ensure that processes are efficient, reliable, and centered on delivering high-quality patient care. You will:

• Establish and support Lean foundations across departments and service lines
• Train and mentor healthcare teams in Lean methodologies and daily improvement practices
• Facilitate Kaizen events and Gemba Walks to evaluate real-time care delivery and operational processes
• Apply root cause analysis to reduce variation, eliminate errors, and prevent recurrence
• Improve patient safety, care quality, and experience through standardized, reliable processes
• Ensure alignment with regulatory and accreditation standards such as CLIA, CAP, and FDA while optimizing system performance

This program prepares you to lead meaningful transformation in healthcare settings—enhancing efficiency, strengthening quality, and ultimately improving outcomes for patients and communities.

In this course, you will build the skills and techniques needed to help your healthcare organization systematically eliminate waste and maximize value across diagnostic and clinical operations. Through a structured, hands-on learning approach, you will gain practical, real-world experience applying Lean principles and methodologies to improve efficiency, quality, and patient care outcomes.

✔ 7 Course Modules – Covering essential Lean concepts and their application across healthcare and diagnostic workflows
✔ Instructional Video Presentations – Engaging, real-world content designed to reinforce learning and clinical relevance
✔ 7 Knowledge Checks – One per module to assess understanding and practical application
✔ 3 Reflection Activities – Encouraging critical thinking and deeper analysis within a healthcare context
✔ Capstone Project (7 Assignments) – Apply Lean principles to identify, analyze, and eliminate a recurring issue impacting workflow, quality, or patient care within your organization

The course project includes seven structured assignments, each designed to help you apply Lean tools and methodologies directly within your healthcare work environment. Through these hands-on activities, you will gain practical experience identifying inefficiencies, improving workflows, and implementing sustainable, patient-centered improvements.

Throughout the course, we will reference The New Lean Healthcare Pocket Guide XL to reinforce key concepts and support real-world application across hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.

In addition, live virtual classrooms are available to help teams deepen their understanding and effectively translate learning into practice. These weekly, instructor-led sessions provide opportunities to:

✔ Ask questions and clarify course concepts in a healthcare context
✔ Share insights, challenges, and lessons learned with peers
✔ Collaborate on strategies for implementing Lean methodologies within your organization

For more information on virtual team sessions, including dates and times, please contact your instructor.

✔ Explain Lean principles, methodologies, and tools as they apply to clinical, administrative, and diagnostic healthcare workflows
✔ Apply Lean thinking to design a targeted improvement strategy within your healthcare or laboratory setting
✔ Plan and lead a 5S event, including preparation, implementation, and ongoing sustainment in a clinical environment
✔ Conduct a “Go and See” (Gemba) observation to uncover inefficiencies and identify opportunities for improving patient care and workflow
✔ Analyze waste and variation using a current-state value stream map to improve flow and reduce delays
✔ Apply the A3 problem-solving approach, understanding its structure and use in healthcare decision-making
✔ Plan and facilitate a Kaizen event, including defining objectives, engaging teams, and achieving measurable outcomes

This course equips you with practical Lean tools and techniques to drive continuous improvement, enhance efficiency, and improve patient outcomes across healthcare settings.