Repetitive, predictable work can be quantified by using work measurement techniques, then labor standards applied to determine staffing levels and schedules for these types of activities.  We have developed extensive work standards for office and clinical applications.  Process failure costs are quantified, opportunities for eliminating non-value-added steps or automating parts of the process are identified, and these costs are used to project the impact of improvements and to enable selection of the most cost-effective improvement intervention.

By performing an activity-based cost analysis we can determine the distribution of resources by activity.  Data are collected to determine activity costs and the effectiveness and efficiency of the activities being performed.  From this information the hospital or physician group can make informed decisions concerning improving services, determining service levels or fee schedules, and reducing costs or eliminating non-value-added services.

Management may need technical advice on the construction of data collection methods or interpretation of the results.  When the cost impact of a proposed solution or scenario is unknown, we help  management calculate the implementation costs and the resulting savings, thereby facilitating the decision-making process.  See www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ergonomics.html for useful information and lots of helpful links on ergonomics.