AJLM2201 - CME/CMLE - Management Systems to Structure Continuous Quality Improvement-Management Systems to Structure Continuous Quality Improvement

Management Systems to Structure Continuous Quality Improvement

Pdf Summary

The article discusses the importance of management systems in achieving continuous quality improvement (CQI) within a medical laboratory enterprise, particularly at the Henry Ford Health System laboratories. Various key management systems are outlined, focusing on team leader systems, plan-do-check-act problem-solving, deviation management, and daily management systems. These systems aim to align performance at all levels and create a culture of CQI.<br /><br />The article emphasizes building a culture of continuous improvement by educating and empowering individuals at all levels. It discusses how Lean principles, ISO 15189 accreditation, and the Toyota Production System have influenced their approach. Four primary management systems are highlighted: team leader system for bottom-up engagement in improvement, problem-solving through data-driven PDCA methodology, deviation management system for real-time identification of improvement opportunities, and daily management system for implementing immediate countermeasures and root-cause analysis.<br /><br />The integration of quality management systems has led to significant improvements, with an emphasis on education, empowerment, and engagement of workforce for continuous improvement. The article stresses the importance of assessing and refining management systems through periodic reviews, focusing on effectiveness at both top-down leadership and bottom-up work levels. Continuous training, measurement of performance metrics, and systematic problem-solving are essential elements in sustaining a culture of continuous quality improvement and achieving high reliability in healthcare services.

Keywords

management systems

continuous quality improvement

medical laboratory enterprise

Henry Ford Health System

team leader systems

plan-do-check-act

deviation management

daily management systems

Lean principles

ISO 15189 accreditation