ABSTRACT
Job instructions and policies are often communicated informally in hospital settings. Communication about process changes is often ineffective when it happens through informal channels, including posted signs and verbal handoff communications. A typical nursing unit might have dozens of signs and postings, communicating new policies on hand hygiene, changes to the information system, and new practices involving medications. „e visual noise can be overwhelming, as signs are posted on top of notices, in front of reminders. It is too easy for employees to miss or tune out the cacophony of signs. Hospitals are dynamic environments that operate with many people rotating in and out of jobs, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We need a formalized method for managing and improving the way we do our work and how those methods are communicated. We can better support patient care and our employees with a standardized work system based on Lean practices.
