Winning the war on waits, delays requires 'continuous flow' systems.

Abstract

The health care system continually battles the problem of waits and delays--but there are success stories. Waits and delays have a negative impact on all involved in a health care system. "Continuous flow" systems emphasize "doing today's work today." To a large extent, delays are built into the way health care delivery systems operate. Reducing waits and delays takes a willingness to change, the ability to communicate, and the spirit of cooperation.