Mark your calendar now for the next session of HASC’s Lean Practitioners Course in collaboration with the University of California Los Angeles, School of Public Health, and the Institute for Performance Excellence. Course dates are set for Oct. 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 11 and Dec. 2 at Valley Presbyterian Hospital.

The final course of the Lean workshop that began June 24 took place July 29. Over the five-course session, the curriculum for health care professionals covered a comprehensive introduction to Lean methods and tools proven to eliminate waste, reduce costs, improve quality, and deliver greater value to organizations. Each session incorporated real-world simulations and exercises.

The course focuses on how to:

• Align performance improvement initiatives with your organization’s strategic plan
• Use lean tools to create a Lean Improvement Pathway and standardize work
• Use Value Stream Management for improvement planning
• Lead a Kaizen improvement event

The workshop is intended for health care professionals interested in delivering greater value to the organization, including nursing, allied health, business office, support services, service line, admissions, planning, development, ambulatory care, emergency room, laboratory, pharmacy, safety, and quality professionals. The course will be taught by Jennifer Wortham, Dr.PH, a Certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and consultant with more than 20 years of experience in the development and implementation of performance improvement programs, market development, and strategic alignment for health plans and health care delivery systems. Qualified participants may enroll for the Lean Practitioners Certification Exam at UCLA Extension to become a Certified Lean Practitioner after completing the course.

The session beginning in October will be a four-course, eight and a half hour series. The cost is $1,250 for HASC members and $1,500 for non-members. Space is limited; register today!