Ideas That Work: Visual Management

Taping a blue line on the floor in the sterile processing department where case carts full of dirty instruments should be lined up keeps them organized and eliminates the clutter that can hamper efficient instrument care. The taped lines also provide reprocessing techs with a quick and easy way to assess the volume of work they’re facing. Based on their experience, for example, they would know they’re falling behind if more than 2 carts are waiting to be emptied. A red tape line placed where a third cart would fall in line serves as warning to staff so they can respond appropriately and allocate staff where they’re needed to keep pace with arriving instruments.

Rachel Mandel, MD
Frederick, Md.
[email protected]