The LISN (Learning Improvement Science at Northern Health) workshop has returned after a two-year pause due to the pandemic.

The LISN program is a full day, face-to-face workshop run by the Transformation Unit in the NCHER building. The program incorporates theoretical content on improvement science, including understanding value and waste, built in quality, continuous flow, pull systems and levelling.

“The theory is incorporated into a live simulation of a Day Procedure Unit. Every attendee on the day has an active role in the simulation,” explains Laura Hughes, Project Manager.

The LISN program is a foundation pillar of the Transformation Unit in supporting Northern Health on its journey to becoming a High Reliability Organisation (HRO).

“The session is designed for small teams or individuals to attend. They would be working on improving processes or solving problems in their work area, and be able to return to work with some new skills to apply,” Laura explained.

Amanda Strangwick, Patient Experience Coordinator, attended the first LISN workshop this year, as she was interested in looking at different ways of improvement.

“I was interested in improvement from a system point of view – or a department point of view, rather than the individual. This has been a really interesting workshop and it was good to see how we can improve by changing systems and whole team attitude, by looking at workflow and identifying errors. It’s about learning how to approve as a whole team,” she explained.

Derwin Or, Quality Coordinator, Emergency Services, attended the workshop with his whole team.

“I expected to just look at slides all day, but it was actually very different and engaging. We are looking at what we have and how we can change to make it more efficient, and try to think outside the box. I’ve realised how small changes can make a big impact. People in management roles should definitely attend, as they are the ones who can implement these changes. Also, people on the floor should come, as great ideas can come from anyone,” he explained.

LISN was designed in 2015 and is available to Northern Health staff via the bookings information below.

“The day is action packed and whether you have had a little exposure to improvement science or a lot, there is so much that you are able to learn from the day. It is also a great way to meet and learn from others that work in different areas of the health service, and is open to clinical and non-clinical staff,” Laura added.

The day is co-facilitated by a former Northern Health employee, Simon Lane, currently working in improvement at The Royal Children’s Hospital, and Transformation Unit staff, Laura Hughes and Tracey Martin.

If you would like more information on the program, what it offers, or how to book, email lisn.hro@nh.org.au. The dates for upcoming sessions are: 3 May, 17 May, 14 June. The team will be offering more sessions in the second half of 2022. Please register your interest for more dates as soon as possible.