Leveling the Workload for Radiologists in Diagnostic Mammography: Application of Lean Principles and Heijunka

Amy L Conners; Sean E Clark; Kathleen R Brandt; Katie N Hunt; Linda M Chida; Laura C Tibor; Royce L Ruter; Sadia A Khanani

doi:10.1093/jbi/wbab090

Leveling the Workload for Radiologists in Diagnostic Mammography: Application of Lean Principles and Heijunka

J Breast Imaging. 2022 Jan 27;4(1):61-69. doi: 10.1093/jbi/wbab090.

Authors

Amy L Conners¹, Sean E Clark², Kathleen R Brandt¹, Katie N Hunt¹, Linda M Chida¹, Laura C Tibor³, Royce L Ruter¹, Sadia A Khanani¹

Affiliations

¹ Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiology, Rochester, MN, USA.
² Mayo Clinic, Quality Academy, Rochester, MN, USA.
³ Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiation Oncology, Rochester, MN, USA.

PMID: 38422417
DOI: 10.1093/jbi/wbab090

Abstract

To facilitate the delivery of accurate and timely care to patients in complex environments, process improvement methodologies such as Lean can be very effective. Lean is a quality improvement methodology that seeks to add value for patients and employees by continuously improving processes and eliminating waste. At our institution, Lean principles were applied to improve efficiency and minimize waste in the diagnostic breast imaging reading room. This paper describes how we applied Lean principles, including plan-do-study-act testing, level-loading (heijunka), and visual management, to level the workload of the diagnostic radiologists in our practice. Implementation of these principles to improve the diagnostic workflow in breast imaging is described along with examples from our practice, including challenges and future opportunities.

Keywords: Lean; diagnostic mammography; heijunka; radiologist workflow.