About this Presentation
James Holt made the presentation for Richard Reed. He added his comments to the overheads. The purposes of this presentation are to provide a framework for analysis of a system; the background of the organization being studied; what to change: the UDEs, conflict clouds, core conflict cloud (CCC) and current reality tree (CRT); to what to change, the tabular analysis, strategic injection (Inj.) and future reality tree (FRT) and some management implications. The case study is the Planned Parenthood of New Mexico (PPNM), which performs medical services including annual exams, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, abortion, tubal ligation, vasectomy, etc. to 21,943 patients in 2004. They also provide educational services. The presentation focuses on what to change and what to change to. The goal, and four necessary conditions (quality medical services, safe and secure work environment, remain financially solvent and maintain PPFA accreditation) are discussed. The prerequisites for each requirement are provided. UDEs include: long wait times for some patients; clinic financial viability is threatened; many personnel (clinicians, support staff and clinic managers) are highly stressed; clinic staff turnover is higher than desired; some patients leave the clinics dissatisfied; and the physical appearance of some clinic facilities is shabby. The storylines for the first five UDEs were converted to evaporating clouds (ECs) with assumptions then to a core conflict cloud with assumptions. The CRT is provided. Injections to the core conflict cloud are provided. James provided his assumptions: There is no way to improve the patient per hour rate; we cannot improve the patient show-up rate; the quality of service is equal to the time with the doctor; there is nothing we can do to improve our processes. Richard’s two strategic injections are: The PPNM clinics’ managers and clinicians align their personal as well as their professional goals with the new overall clinic goal of a balanced approach of delivering quality medical services while maintaining financial viability; and The PPNM clinics have a new appointment scheduling system that satisfies most needs of managers, clinicians, support staff, and patients alike.
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.
The speaker discusses the challenges faced by a non-profit healthcare organization in managing patient care and financial viability.
The speaker suggests that the organization could benefit from the Theory of Constraints, a management philosophy that helps organizations achieve their goals.
The speaker highlights the importance of aligning personal and professional goals, improving scheduling systems, and considering quality of patient service and financial viability simultaneously.
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.