Back-of-the-Envelope Problem Solving

in Education, Implementation, Improvement Science, PDSA, Systems, Tools & Methods

By David M. Williams, Ph.D. The Breakthrough Series Collaborative model is an improvement learning system that brings teams together to pursue a shared aim. Teams use an evidence-based change theory and improvement methods including the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) Cycle and time-series data (run charts and Shewhart Control Charts). In the Institute for Healthcare […]

What’s Your Management Method?

in Improvement Science, Leadership, Quality as an Organizational Strategy (QOS)

By David M. Williams, Ph.D. Source: James L Reinertsen, MD, The Reinertsen Group Recently I sat down with Dr. Jim Reinersten to think about what makes traditional leaders shift to being quality leaders. Dr. Reinersten is a rheumatologist by training and former hospital chief executive. He’s also a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement […]

Problem-Solving by Learning From the Process

in Improvement Science, Knowledge, Systems, Tools & Methods, Variation

By David M. Williams, Ph.D. Photo by Bluehouse Skis on Unsplash Let’s face it…patient care documentation is not the most enjoyable aspect of clinical care delivery. It takes time, the electronic medical record isn’t user friendly, and caregivers have a lot going on. It’s no surprise improving clinical documentation is a common improvement opportunity for a […]

How Leaders Decide a Change is Needed

in Improvement Science, Knowledge, Leadership, Quality as an Organizational Strategy (QOS), Systems

By David M. Williams, Ph.D. Photo by Tetiana SHYSHKINA on Unsplash Have you ever searched your computer hard drive only to be surprised by the number of files and multiple versions of a similar theme? I have hundreds of Microsoft PowerPoint presentations from client engagements, trainings, and conferences I’ve delivered and dozens of Microsoft Word documents of blog […]

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever seen?

in COVID-19, Systems, Tools & Methods

By David M Williams, PhD Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash I’m not the best at small talk. A closet introvert, I’m not the first one to start a conversation. That doesn’t mean I don’t like meeting new people, getting to know them, or going to parties. In Steve Harper’s book The Ripple Effect, when […]

Lowering the Water Level

in COVID-19, Tools & Methods

By David M Williams, PhD Photo by Abel’s Shots on Unsplash   “Two boxes of mac & cheese, four packs of Nutella & Go, six Cliff Bars…..Dad, these anchovies expired in 2017,” my son Nate called out as he inventoried our pantry and refrigerator and tossed out what was expired. As the stay-at-home order hit […]

Single and Double Loop Learning

in Improvement Science, Knowledge, PDSA

By David M. Williams, PhD Simulation is a powerful method for teaching new improvers how to learn and use the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle to test changes. In addition to the Mr. Potato Head and the Coin Spin PDSA exercises, there are a host of other worthwhile options like the sequence exercise. You […]