Stepping Up Healthcare

In this episode, we talk about getting to root and using root cause analysis (RCA). We will focus on systems as the cause rather than blame. We'll discuss, at high-level, the 5 Whys and the fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram and shows how they help teams dig past first explanations. Common traps include blaming individuals, relying on quick fixes like more education or checklists, and solving yesterd...

Before testing changes with PDSA, you need to understand the current process by going to the Gemba and sketching what actually occurs. In this episode, we'll talk about why simple current-state drawings surface hidden waste and align the team. S2E4

This episode we discuss why “Study” and “Act” are the steps that turn PDSA from activity into real learning and better care. We also walk through common vs special cause variation and data massaging (it breaks the learning cycle) S2E3

In this episode, we will discuss why the “Plan” and “Do” steps of PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) are about testing changes to learn, not implementing fixes for success. We will outline what a strong plan includes and discuss that the do phase should stay small-scale. We will talk about the connection between PDSA to the scientific method and introduce the “if–then–as measured by” hypothesis format. S...

Season 2 kicks off with a focus on problem-solving by explaining why defining the problem is the essential first step before launching projects. The episode defines a problem, outlines what makes a strong problem statement, and discusses solution-bias, team disagreements, and scope creep. We'll talk about some practical methods to write problem statements, too! S2E1

Bonus episode from Stepping Up Healthcare! Learn about the BE FAST acronym—Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time—to quickly spot common stroke warning signs. Strokes are time-sensitive, so if you notice even one sudden or unusual sign, call 911 or seek emergency care immediately! S1EBonus

Learn why Lean leaders must go to the gemba—the real place—rather than relying only on reports, and how to apply three core methods: silent observation (shadowing without interrupting), the Ono Circle (stationary observation), and interviewing staff. The episode we'll talk about closed vs. open-ended questions to start real Lean thinking and help develop problem solving. S1E11

In this episode of Stepping Up Healthcare, we discuss the Lean waste of extra processing—doing more than needed to meet requirements. The episode contrasts adding more checks with poka yoke (error-proofing), emphasizing redesigning systems so the correct action is the easiest action rather than relying on double/triple checks. We will also talk about lean vs. safety/compliance. S1E10

This episode explains motion waste in healthcare as unnecessary movement—especially searching and extra walking—and clarifies how it differs from transportation waste (moving yourself vs. moving items). It shows how motion quietly adds up into miles walked per shift, contributing to fatigue, sore feet, and breaks in focus that can increase error risk, while also compounding with other wastes like...

This episode explains inventory waste in healthcare. We will highlight why inventory waste matters: it takes up space, requires extra work, and disguises other problems. We discuss a 5S project on a code cart and supply room of a dental clinic. S1E8

This episode explains transportation waste in healthcare as unnecessary movement of items, information, or people that doesn’t add patient value. We highlight why reducing transportation waste matters—lost minutes, increased distance and fatigue, and broken attention that leads to context switching and potential mistakes. This episode introduces using a simple spaghetti diagram during a “go and se...

This episode of Stepping Up Healthcare, we talk about non-utilized talent waste (N in DOWNTIME)—when staff skills, creativity, and insights aren’t actively invited, heard, acted on, or recognized—often showing up subtly as quietness and submission rather than obvious problems. Make sure to follow the Stepping Up Healthcare podcast! S1E6

In this episode of Stepping Up Healthcare, we discuss the pervasive issue of waiting waste in healthcare, its impact on workflow, morale, and costs. We also will dive into the difference between batch work and single piece flow! S1E5

In this episode of Stepping Up Healthcare, we dive into the concept of overproduction in healthcare, explaining how it creates hidden work, consumes valuable time and attention, and covers for defects. Takt discusses the impact of the push versus pull mentality on healthcare efficiency. S1E4

Takt discusses the first waste of DOWNTIME, the pervasive issue of Defects in healthcare processes. He explores the types of defects, their impact on workflow, cost, trust, and staff morale, and provides real-world examples. S1E3

Takt discusses the importance of distinguishing between value-added work, non-value-added work, and waste in healthcare. Learn how to identify these categories to streamline processes and improve patient care. Set the foundation of understanding and eliminating waste in your daily workflow. S1E2

In this episode of Stepping Up Healthcare , Takt emphasizes the importance of recognizing problems in healthcare processes before attempting to fix them. He discusses how minor gaps in processes often lead to workarounds that, over time, become standard practice. Takt shares tips on spotting red flags, such as inconsistencies and reliance on sheer willpower of staff, and introduces the principle o...

Welcome to the show! We will talk about what this show is all about! Whether you are a nurse or doctor, in hospital administration or sterile processing, we will be talking about your processes. Doesn't matter if you are clinical or nonclinical, it would be great to have here!