New software applications are being tested on a group of American and Canadian privately owned Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) facilities who perform a combination of inhouse and outsourced fabrication. The pilot study is evaluating how the implementation of data-driven workflows, dashboards, and analytics tools can significantly enhance operational efficiency. The focus of the program expands beyond simply the mechanical and physical production aspect of fabrication, but also takes into consideration the complexities and variations of funding agency requirements that complicate the process, as well focus on enhanced communication between clinicians, technicians, and administrative support staff.
Grounded in Lean Six Sigma principles, the pilot focuses on reducing waste, variation, and cycle time while promoting standardized work processes and improved flow. Throughout the study, participating facilities leverage real-time data and analytics to make informed decisions, optimize their workflows, and identify areas for continuous improvement. This submission will share the outcomes and lessons learned from the pilot, highlighting how these tools help create a more agile, efficient environment within each facility. By aligning with the Lean Six Sigma philosophy of defect prevention and process optimization, we hypothesize that participants will successfully achieve measurable improvements in both efficiency and consistency, paving the way for ongoing process innovation in the O&P profession.
Statement of the objective / learning objectives
Attendees will be exposed to new ways of using data supported workflows to approach the challenges that affect every O&P facility that manages the complexity of in-house or outsourced fabrication.
