Single Patient Flow: Applying Lean Principles in Healthcare (DVD)

​A 2013 Shingo Prize for Research & Professional Publication Recipient!

Meet Dr. Sami Bahri, the “World’s First Lean Dentist.” Over the past thirty years, through personal study of The Deming Management System and subsequently many texts describing the Toyota Production System, Dr. Bahri and his staff have continuously pursued a singular mission: “to provide patients with the correct treatment they need, when they need it, in the right quantity that they need it, while eliminating anything that interrupts or delays this flow.”

Borrowing the Toyota concept of one-by-one production, Dr. Bahri and his team refer to their vision as “single patient flow.” Don’t make the patient wait – anywhere. This single-minded goal has been the compass for many small improvements including a pull system to manage a flow of material, information and treatment to the patient. Quick change instrument trays assure that most dental procedures can be completed at a single seating. Visual controls alert a thoroughly cross-trained staff of dental assistants, hygienists, front office specialists and dentists when help is needed. Daily improvement and problem-solving occur through morning meetings and on-the-spot adjustments.

Behind the tools is an enduring respect for employees and patients. In Dr.Bahri’s words, “It’s a win-win for the patient who competes his treatment in fewer visits and the practice which now has nearly twice as many available hours to see patients.” But the journey is never-ending as you’ll hear from Dr. Bahri, his staff and even his customers.