Learning

• Significant resources were dedicated in 2005 toward increasing training and education around Lean production at Park Nicollet. After rigorous training, study and practice, 42 Park Nicollet leaders received certification as Lean Workshop Leaders. Fifty Park Nicollet leaders traveled to Japan for an intense three-week immersion course in Lean at Toyota. Park Nicollet also established an internal Kaizen Operations Team that is overseeing our Lean efforts in 2006. See some early results.
• Park Nicollet Health Library opened in September 2005. The health library is a resource for patients, families and visitors so they can make informed decisions and be active partners in their health care. The new library is the first consumer health library in the state with dedicated space, resources and staff.
• In 2005, Park Nicollet Institute, conducted 225 active research studies, 314 worksite health promotion seminars and published 57 papers, books and book chapters by Park Nicollet authors. Patients and the public took part in 191 education classes offered through the Institute, which reached more than 2,000 participants. The Institute also continued educating health care professionals, reaching more than 6,300 across the nation.
• Park Nicollet produced a video in 2005 to help patients, employees and community members understand the value of Lean production in relation to health care. The video, titled “Lean Production: Caring for Patients the Right Way,” can be viewed at parknicollet.com. Click on the badge on the right side of the screen.