Convalescent Equipment Lean Six Sigma Project

KEY MESSAGES

June 2016

  1. The project team has Clinical and Management representatives from all partners involved in the delivery of the Convalescent Equipment program – Social Development, Red Cross, Easter Seals, Occupational Therapists, Custom Seating Clinics, Extramural, VitaliteNB and Horizon
  2. There is an evident commitment from all parties to improve the process and the experience for clients – we have developed communication and transparency between partners and have a fuller understanding of the roles and challenges of each partner and how these impact the process.
  3. A number of improvement strategies have been identified to reduce the cycle time for requests. Some are early improvements (Quick Hits) that can be implemented right away and the longer term improvements will have detailed action plans. Examples include the addition of an Equipment Specialist by Red Cross, and enhancements to communications in the current process; eliminating the requirement for a Dr. prescription for power wheelchair and bed requests, and enhancements to communication between partners by sending the ERF to Red Cross early in the process.
  4. A new process has been drafted and has been thoroughly reviewed through a number of lenses (root causes, critical to quality, further efficiencies and waste elimination). It has been agreed that clinicians needs to have earlier access to demo equipment before requesting eligibility, in order to complete an accurate prescription.
  5. The project team recommends that a new process be tested with a clear pilot plan and measures before full roll out and implementation. The pilot plan is in development, and the pilot and evaluation will take place from August to October.
  6. In terms of timing, some improvements have already been put into place (i.e. Equipment Specialist, Dr. note, and ERF) and other improvements will have implementation timelines coordinated with the current program review, revision of forms and refresh of the guide.