Overview
This book focuses on operations management and the strategic implementation of programs, techniques, and tools for reducing costs and improving quality. It covers the basics of operations management and explains how operations and process improvement relate to contemporary healthcare trends, such as evidence-based medicine and pay-for-performance. The book's practical approach includes real-world examples to illustrate concepts and explanations of software tools, such as Excel and Project, that solve operational problems.
This second edition has been thoroughly revised to address current issues facing healthcare managers. Major revisions include extensive updates to the chapters on statistical tools, Six Sigma, and the Lean enterprise. The chapter on project management now includes information on agile project management, and the chapter on scheduling and capacity management has been substantially rewritten and expanded. A new chapter on improving financial performance with operations management has been added.
Key Features
Aligns strategic and operational goals, including the use of project management tools and balanced-scorecard techniques, to execute and monitor projects
Includes chapter overviews, a running glossary, Thoroughly explores performance tools, techniques, and programs, including Six Sigma, the Lean enterprise, and simulation
Applies process improvement tools to supply chain management, scheduling, and other discussion questions, and problems for each chapter healthcare issues
Student Resources
Students can access an online book companion that features additional learning tools, including Excel templates, instructional videos, tutorials, exercises, and PowerPoint presentations for each chapter. Also provided are links to webcasts, web demonstrations, and case studies related to specific topics.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: Helen Ewing, DHSc, MN, RN(A. T. Still University)Description: This book provides tools and strategies for delivering quality healthcare in an efficient manner through improved operations management. Operations management encompasses the design, operation, and improvement of systems, procedures, and processes required to deliver quality healthcare. The theory provided in this book is inclusive and addresses topics such as strategic planning and use of evidence-based practice, and provides examples of tools most effective for decision-making in healthcare leadership roles.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide an overview of the need for effective healthcare operations within the current healthcare environment. The main focus of the book is to share theory, tools, and strategies to translate a business vision or strategy for healthcare into an action plan that will result in improved healthcare management. Examples from healthcare enable readers to apply the theory and principles immediately to realistic scenarios which will enhance learning. Discussion questions are posed at the end of each chapter to encourage further critical analysis.
Audience: The audience for this book is diverse and includes any healthcare professionals involved in healthcare organizations in leadership, educator, or clinical positions. The book serves as a reference for complex issues in healthcare management, but it also would be a very effective textbook for all levels of healthcare professionals in graduate and postgraduate programs.
Features: This is a great overview of the requirements for effective operation of a healthcare system in the United States that highlights the different structures and frameworks that are required to work together for a functioning unit. The book reviews some of the founding theory of quality improvement, including more current theories such as Malcolm Baldridge's National Quality Award, and the use of scorecards and evidence-based medicine in healthcare. A very clear introduction to each chapter identifies what it plans to accomplish. The book's layout makes good use of titles and highlighting to divide up topics. It also uses white space effectively with charts, graphs, and illustrations to highlight the different sections. The book is organized systematically, outlining the various processes of operations management chapter by chapter, yet each chapter can stand alone. Discussion questions, case studies, or exercises are available at the conclusion of each chapter to assist in applying the theory to practice. One of the strengths of the book lies in the very comprehensive and readable description of each of the processes required for effective health systems operation management. Textboxes in each chapter contain summaries of the main themes, such as Juran's Quality Trilogy model, metrics to measure performance from the financial perspective, and the complete project management process. A lot of excellent websites are incorporated into the theory to allow further exploration of the topics. Sidebars throughout the book highlight areas of importance and direct learners, and all terms are clearly defined.
Assessment: This is an excellent reference for health leaders. It is a very comprehensive review of many of the components of health operations management. This book is user friendly and provides a wealth of knowledge on healthcare organizations and their infrastructure. It would be a worthwhile addition to any healthcare leader's reading list.