Teamwork

• Hosting in-service to discuss how to properly set up a scanning procedure
• Monitoring the process to ensure the scanning was done properly
• Sharing feedback about the process so every team member can learn from any mistake

What can your team do to work with other UBTs so you can both improve? What additional training could your team benefit from?

• Assigning a point person to work with physicians and departments to ensure patients have the needed lab orders
• Coordinating efforts across the multiple departments that engage in a patient's treatment
• Assigning a backup assistant to ensure the point duties are covered

What can your team do to identify where things "fall through the cracks"? What else could your team do to put the patient at the center? 

• Creating computer spreadsheet to track inventory and order supplies
• Labeling shelves and supplies more clearly to reduce clutter
• Eliminating hoarding and rarely used supplies, and consolidating orders

What can your team do to harness the power of technology? What else could your team do to centralize information that is scattered? 

• Identifying the problem of lab wait times and its root causes
• Employing a "one-on-one" style of service so more staffers help reduce the queue
• Having lab technicians handle patients from check-in to blood draw

 What can your team do to find out the root cause of a nagging problem?

• Creating a daily stretching routine, and discussing work safety on a regular basis
• Discussing proper lifting and pushing techniques, and also the proper use of equipment
• Posting safe-driving and other safety awareness tips, and highlighting the number of injury-free days

What can your team do to reduce injuries and keep one another safe on the job? 

• Coordinating with other departments, like emergency and transportation
• Spreading out requests in regular 15-minute intervals
• Meeting regularly to make adjustments

 What can your team do to work with other departments to improve patients' experiences? 

• Setting up designated bins in operating rooms for blue wrap recycling
• Educating staff about the dos and don’ts of the bins, such as no infectious or solid waste
• Coordinating with a local charity such as Goodwill to help with processing

What can your team do to "go green"? What else could your team do to reduce waste?

• Using a “blitz” approach to the work queues, when new sessions get backed up
• Mobilizing everyone to work on the same queue until the backlog decreases
• Shifting from the existing practice of everyone working in individual queues

What can your team do to tackle large issues that are creating a backlog? Where else could your team use a "blitz" approach?