Fast Track: Observation: Go, See and Ask “Why?”

Price: $1295.00

37.0 Contact Hours. Online/work at your own pace

Description

Current Status

Not Enrolled

Enroll in this course to get access

Price

$29.99

Get Started

Take this Course

Course Reviews

3.0 Contact Hours ($29.99)

Welcome to Observation in the Laboratory!

Observation in the laboratory is a critical “go and see” approach that allows us to gain a firsthand understanding of how work processes unfold. This method helps us identify the actual value-added activities within the workflow, while simultaneously pinpointing wasteful or defective processes that hinder overall efficiency and quality. In this course, we will delve into the different types of waste commonly found in laboratory settings, including defects, delays, overproduction, and excess inventory. By understanding these forms of waste, we can develop a clearer picture of the current state of operations.

We will also explore how to effectively conduct observations within a specific area of focus. This includes learning how to track a unit of work—whether it’s a specimen, a patient, or a file—through its journey within the laboratory process. Through this exercise, you will gain insight into the specific details of how the work progresses, including identifying the origin, cause, and path of any defects that arise.

Once we have mapped the workflow and identified where defects occur, we will use the 4 Rules of Work Design to systematically redesign the process. The goal is to eliminate wasteful activities and transform them into value-added steps that contribute to the efficiency and quality of the laboratory environment. By applying the scientific method of problem-solving, we will ensure that the redesign is data-driven and focused on sustainable improvements, ultimately optimizing the laboratory’s workflow and enhancing overall performance.

This Course Includes:

• A series of short engaging, instructional videos
• 10-question quiz – You may need to review the video or your notes to answer the questions
• Reflection Questions – A review of the topics covered
• An Assignment is not required for this course

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is designed for laboratory managers, administrators, technicians, and all employees involved in an organized operational waste walk.

Learning Objectives

At the End of This Course the Learner will be able to:

• Identify processes prone to defects
• Describe types of waste relevant to the laboratory
• Explain how the 4 rules of work design can drive laboratory process improvements
• Outline steps for conducting a “go and see” observation event

Average Review Score:

★★★★★

You must log in and have started this course to submit a review.

Username or Email Address

Password

Remember Me

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.