About this Presentation
The presentation outline includes: Understanding the core problem in healthcare systems; criteria against which any solution should be judged; the theory of constraints (TOC); and bring pride and joy back into the hearts of healthcare workers. The core problem relates to costs rising much faster than revenues throughout the world. In this predicament, the ability to do more with current resources answers a significant need. Any solution must simultaneously: Increase the quality and timeliness of care; improve the affordability of care; without simply asking staff to work harder; and bring pride and joy back into the heart of everyone working in the health system. The theory of constraints (TOC) provides the basis of a simultaneous breakthrough in the quality and timeliness of care and the financial performance of the healthcare system. The four pillars of TOC (inherent simplicity, every conflict can be removed; people are good; and never say I know) and the four concepts of flow are discussed with respect to healthcare. Typical results of acute, community, children’s, mental health hospitals and in the community setting are: Length of stay reductions of 20% - 50%; more patients treated within current resources; improved quality of care; improved staff morale; and improved access to care. Additional detailed results are provided. Alex explains an example showing the impact of a reduction on length of stay on number of patients serviced and throughput.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
Health care systems globally face a core problem of rising costs and complexity.
The Theory of Constraints (TOC) can provide a simultaneous breakthrough in the quality of care, timeliness of care, and the financial performance of the health care system.
A TOC-based solution requires focusing on the few resources causing the most disruption and improving flow within the system.
Instructor(s)
Jennifer Eckman
Ms Alka Wadhwa
Alka Wadhwa is an experienced consultant and process improvement expert with over 24 years of expertise in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean Six Sigma, and organizational performance optimization. She has successfully led projects in healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing, driving significant improvements such as a 67% boost in hospital operations and a 140% increase in outpatient visits.
Previously, Alka Wadhwa spent 17+ years at GE Global Research Center, where she led initiatives to enhance various GE businesses through advanced technologies, process redesign, and system optimization. Founder of Better Solutions Consulting, LLC, she specializes in using TOC, Six Sigma, and data analytics to streamline operations and build high-performance teams.
Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Empire State Award of Excellence in healthcare.
Dr Gary Wadhwa
Dr. Gary Wadhwa is a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with extensive experience in the field. He completed his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery training at Montefiore Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and has served as an Attending at prestigious institutions like St. Peters Hospitals, Ellis Hospital, and Beth Israel Hospital in NY. With a career spanning over two decades, he was the former CEO and President of a group specialty practice in NY from 1994 to 2015. Dr. Wadhwa holds an MBA from UT at Knoxville, TN, and has undergone additional training in System Dynamics at MIT, Health System Management at Harvard Business School, and Entrepreneurship and healthcare innovations at Columbia Business School. Committed to expanding access to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery care, he is currently engaged in a meaningful project to provide healthcare services to underserved populations in inner city and rural areas through non-profit Community Health Centers.