Top 5 Key Takeaways:
Continuous improvement (CI) is not just a strategic initiative in healthcare—it is a vital practice that directly impacts patient care, safety, and overall organizational efficiency. This critical topic was the focus of a recent HKPO Shingo Workshop on Continuous Improvement, where Dr. Brian Harte, President of Cleveland Clinic’s South Submarket, addressed the group. Hosted by Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital, the workshop provided valuable insights into how one of the world’s leading healthcare organizations is mastering CI to drive meaningful change across its system.
Dr. Brian Harte, MD, MHM, President Cleveland Clinic.
Cleveland Clinic’s reputation as a leader in healthcare extends beyond its clinical expertise; it is also a model for continuous improvement. The Cleveland Clinic Improvement Model (CCIM) has been developed, tested, and refined across the health system, engaging caregivers in both clinical and nonclinical areas (Cleveland Clinic).
This model is designed to empower every caregiver to make improvements every day, ensuring that CI is not just a top-down directive but a system-wide practice that impacts all aspects of care, including patient safety, quality, experience, and affordability. Enabling caregivers to connect their daily work to the broader mission of “Patients First.”
Dr. Brian Harte plays a pivotal role in driving Cleveland Clinic’s CI efforts. As a practicing hospitalist and a leader who has overseen multiple hospitals within the Cleveland Clinic network, Dr. Harte understands the challenges and opportunities within healthcare. His leadership is characterized by a relentless focus on improving patient outcomes through strategic CI initiatives. Dr. Harte’s approach is deeply rooted in the belief that healthcare organizations must be agile, responsive, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of their patients.
Under Dr. Harte’s leadership, the Cleveland Clinic Akron General has implemented a CI strategy that is both innovative and practical, providing a blueprint for healthcare organizations looking to enhance their CI efforts:
Empowering our Teams: Cleveland Clinic Team Members, Stephnie and Lexi - Lexi is receiving her recognition coin!
The workshop was not limited to theoretical discussions; participants had the opportunity to visit various nursing units and clinical support areas across Cleveland Clinic. Leaders from these areas demonstrated how they are actively utilizing the Cleveland Clinic Improvement Model (CCIM) to manage their responsibilities and drive continuous improvement. This collaborative approach reinforced the versatility of the CCIM and highlighted its effectiveness in both clinical and non-clinical settings, ensuring that every caregiver plays a pivotal role in the system's ongoing transformation.
Cleveland Clinic Team in action during Shingo Workshop, Stephenie, Lexi, and Tim Pettry.
Cleveland Clinic’s approach to continuous improvement offers a powerful example of how strategic focus, empowerment, and agility can drive meaningful change within any organization. By prioritizing what truly matters, accelerating processes, empowering teams, maintaining flexibility, and cultivating the right behaviors, organizations across all industries can transform CI from a concept into a daily practice that delivers real results.
HKPO Shingo Workshop where CI Leaders from all over the world and diverse industries were able to learn Continuous Improvement Strategies from Clevland Clinic.
As you consider how to implement these strategies in your own organization, remember that continuous improvement is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey. It requires commitment, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to reinvigorate your existing CI efforts, the lessons from Cleveland Clinic can guide your way forward.
HKPO specializes in helping organizations across all industries implement and rejuvenate their continuous improvement efforts. With nearly two decades of experience, we offer tailored CI solutions that align with your organization’s unique needs and challenges. Whether you’re in healthcare, manufacturing, or any other sector, our experts can guide you through every step of the CI process, ensuring that your efforts are focused, agile, and effective.
Join us on the journey to continuous improvement and discover how HKPO can help you achieve meaningful and lasting change. Contact us today to learn more about our CI solutions and how we can help your organization succeed.
