The study, published Dec. 18 in JAMA, showed that Lean principles, which focus on eliminating inefficiencies, helped residents better adhere to an 80-hour workweek while enhancing their overall well-being and training.
Led by J. Jeffrey Reeves, MD, the study used a series of targeted interventions, including Kaizen workshops to identify and address systemic inefficiencies in the general surgery residence program. As a result, the number of residents exceeding the 80-hour limit dropped from 12.4% to 2.2%.
Faculty also reported improved perceptions of resident preparedness, with no negative effects on technical skills or clinical judgement. The Lean approach overall helped UC San Diego comply with work-hour restrictions but also improved overall program efficiency without increasing faculty overload, the study authors said.
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