Linked to EAHP Statements

Section 6 - Education and Research: Statements 6.1, 6.2, 6.3

ACPE UAN: 0475-0000-22-015-L04-P. A knowledge-based activity.

Abstract

Efficiency and effectiveness are both commonly used terms in a workflow. Efficiency refers to doing things in a right manner and focuses on the process and getting the maximum output with minimum outsources. Therefore, the efficacy increases productivity and saves both time and money. On the other hand, effectiveness refers to doing the right things and focuses on the desired results. Therefore, the effectiveness should have a priority, since efficiency without effectiveness is a waste of resources. Technological advances and increasing demands in healthcare create challenges in ensuring adequate education and training regarding the needs for achieving effectiveness and efficacy in the health system. 

Various strategies have been developed to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of healthcare workflow and the Lean thinking concept, being one of them, encourages hospital pharmacists to think about complete healthcare process rather than a series of disconnected steps.  Since the early times where Lean thinking was presented as the new “magic tool” for the healthcare managers, many health settings have experienced this approach. Although the first steps are often exciting by the implementation of the first actions, the acculturation of an entire pharmacy team is rather a challenge.

This seminar with two European pharmacists who developed this approach for about a decade, aims to present the keys to success in introducing and disseminating lean from operators to managers. Recognizing the importance of training in Lean thinking concept is a critical component for making effective and efficient healthcare workflow.

Learning objectives
After the session, participants should be able to:

• Understand the difference in efficiency and effectiveness in workflow
• Understand the principles and tools in the Lean concept

Educational need addressed
Achieving better efficiency and effectiveness in a workflow of healthcare requires education and training of hospital pharmacists.  

Keywords: Efficiency, effectiveness, Lean concept, training