An Integrated Collection of Tools for Continuously Improving the Processes by Which Health Care Is Delivered: A Tool Report

Abstract

Abstract:This report will present a collection of tools that supports the precise definition, careful analysis, and execution of processes that coordinate the actions of humans, automated devices, and software systems for the delivery of health care. The tools have been developed over the past several years and are currently being evaluated through their application to four health care processes, blood transfusion, chemotherapy, emergency department operations, and identity verification. The tools are integrated with each other using the Eclipse framework or through the sharing of artifacts so that the internal representations generated by one might be used to expedite the actions of others. This integrated collection of tools is intended to support the continuous improvement of health care delivery processes. The process definitions developed through this framework are executable and are intended for eventual use in helping to guide actual health care workers in the performance of their activities, including the utilization of medical devices and information systems.