Pilot program encourages Associate empowerment
from Methodist Manager, A Monthly Publication for
Managers of Methodist Health Systems.
November 1997.
Quality and Human Resources Development just completed a pilot program called
PATS - Process Activated Training System®. OR Services and Food
& Nutrition Services participated in the project.
PATS is a revolutionary way of teaching new Associates their work processes, or
reeducating a seasoned Associate. It is not a program, but rather encourages an
environment of continuous learning and cycle-time reduction on the job. The program was
created by Donald Fisher, Ph.D., of the Mid-South Quality & Productivity Center.
"One thing all Associates are involved with are work processes, which are all the
little things that we do in our work area day in and day out," said David Compton,
associate director, Quality and Human Resources Development. "Using this system,
Associates are empowered to take control of their own work area and improve their work
processes."
Within each department there is a group of Associates who have around a while, and
really know how to do their jobs correctly They are identified by their fellow workers and
managers as subject matter (SME) and become teachers of coworkers.
Once the process is explained and demonstrated by the SME, the Associate is asked to
repeat the process while the SME watches. These work processes are documented allowing
Associates to flow chart their critical tasks and eliminate unnecessary, costly steps.
Food and Nutrition Services worked on two of their job routines - cart preparation and
patient meals services. During their hands-on training, the staff discovered ways of doing
some tasks more efficiently and made changes. "We thought the way were doing things
was fine until we took the training," said Vanessa James, assistant director, Food
& Nutrition Services. "It was one of the best workshops I ever attended."
Associates from Same Day Surgery and the Outpatient Care Center worked on admission of
a patient; OR looked at room turnover. "This training offers a lot of potential for
our area to dissect complex processes and put into components that are easier to teach
someone," said Bonnie Wollums, director, OR Services. "Consistency is the most
important thing that comes out of this program. It's just like using a recipe." The
staff enjoyed the experience and we are planning to use it for other projects, she said.
The process enables Associates to operate in an efficient and timely manner.
"Therefore, productivity is increased through shortened work processes, shortened
learning cycles for Associates, and a more simplified work environment is in place,"
Mr. Compton said. "Also, documenting that Associates can perform the processes will
be important for JCAHO." Software is available so managers can easily document and
keep track of who was trained and on what processes. |
