title: 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.
mesh_terms: D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009819:Office Visits; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010934:Planning Techniques; D017748:Time Management; D017749:Total Quality Management; D014481:United States; D014850:Waiting Lists