Realtime MI with Dr. Rupert
 September  2012

   STANDARDIZATION IS NOT A BAD WORD IN HEALTHCARE         

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Audio Version

 


Greetings!   

 

Why would a Harvard neurosurgeon spend his spare time trying to understand how the Cheesecake Factory operates their kitchens?

The Question 

In the New Yorker magazine, writer and practicing neurosurgeon, Dr. Atul Gawande marveled at how the Cheesecake Factory uses intelligent process design and standardized work flows to deliver consistently high quality food at reasonable cost.

Dr. Gawande 
He notes that healthcare delivers inconsistent service and  mixed quality of care at very high prices.  Insurers and employers keep on paying. Patients suffer with the complications. And standardization is not even on the agenda in most healthcare centers.

 

Gawande asks, why couldn't healthcare do what the Cheesecake Factory does to deliver high quality products and excellent service at reasonable prices?

His Findings

Cheesecake Factory 
Here is what Dr. Atul Gawande found in the kitchens at The Cheesecake Factory. 

  • Easy to understand and helpful computerized systems
  • Knowledgeable and motivated workers
  • Following standardized processes
  • Kitchen managers actively managing the entire production process
  • Innovation of products on a regular basis 
Standardized Care Model 

Then Dr. Gawande found an exceptional knee surgeon for his mother who needed a new knee. 

 

Dr. John Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, at Brigham and Women's hospital had spent a decade working on standardization of knee replacements.

knee

 

The results of Dr. Wright's work on the standardization of knee replacement include: earlier mobility, shorter hospital stays, lower infection rates, better management of pain and lower cost of care.


These are the outstanding results from STANDARDIZATION. This is not a bad word. It is easy to spell and introduce into our everyday vocabulary. It should be top of mind for those interested in healthy system change.


Now all we need is the commitment to learn from the leaders in standardization at the Cheesecake Factory.

To Start the Conversation Call  800-620-7551

It all starts with a conversation.  We are always pleased to help.

 

So call at any time.

 

800 620 7551

 

 

 

           Raymond Rupert MD. MBA.
           Founder/Medical Director
           Rupert Case Management Inc.
           1006 Avenue Road
           Toronto, ON M5P 2K8
           direct:     416-488-9412 ext. 103
           24*7:        800-620-7551
           fax:         416-981-3322
           cell:        416-543-6514
           email: [email protected]
           Skype: raymondrupert
           www.rupertcasemanagement.com 
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