Streaming for Success

Improving a process is no easy feat – just about every process you can think of affects many people, involves multiple steps and includes loads of details. As a result, it can be quite challenging to improve a process. But there is a proven method called value stream mapping used at Beacon that aims to add value and reduce waste in processes.

Simply put, value stream mapping depicts the current path or design of a process from beginning to end. By detailing every step of the process, people can identify the areas of value and the areas of waste, or opportunities for improvement. Over a three-day period recently, more than 20 associates gathered to do just that – they created a value stream map on the process of on-boarding physicians and advanced practice clinicians.

By identifying waste and non-value added activities in the provider onboarding process, they will design an enhanced process over coming months that will better welcome new physicians and advanced practice clinicians. Led by facilitators from Elkhart General’s Total Value Management team and Memorial’s Performance Excellence, the team included management and front-line associates from nearly all Beacon entities.

Team members had many “ahha moments” as they learned about the challenges faced by associates in the current process. The enthusiastic, solution-oriented team came to many common conclusions and everyone agreed that it was great to be part of the customer-focused event.