Making Healthcare Safer: By Applying Poka-Yoke Concepts

Abstract

A lean concept, Poka-Yoke, Six Sigma has been received considerable attention over the years. The Word poka-yoke is derived from Japanese term as inadvertent   error avoidance i.e., error proofing, mistake proofing. Poka-Yoke is used in health-care to prevent life-threatening error.  There are many examples in healthcare where mistake proofing through poke-yoke has been implemented on medical devices, waiting line and employee training for work flow. There are many types of medication errors, wrong documentation, wrong dose, and wrong work procedures during performing the work in hospitals.