Slide Presentation of the 2007 Annual Meeting of AHRQ

Lessons Learned

• Waste at the patient care level is primarily related to inefficient systems, wide variability in work processes, and "work around" culture
• Key to waste reduction is developing the capacity to recognize and eliminate waste— developed toolset
• Front line ownership & support of their role in problem solving is essential
• Leadership must help remove constraints so a range of solutions can be tested
• Culture change required to support the will to eliminate waste