On-Site Trainings Conducted to Strengthen the Implementation of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM Approach
In January and February 2025, on-site trainings were conducted for heads of department and Work Improvement Teams (WITs) in 14 target hospitals. The objective of this training was to enhance practical skills in implementing the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM Approach to strengthen hospital Quality Improvement (QI) activities.
Director of Quality Assurance and Patient Safety (QAPS) Directorate, Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) delivering a lecture to WIT members at Bindura Provincial Hospital
Training Overview
The training content was developed based on specific challenges faced by each hospital identified during the external Monitoring and Supervision (M&S) conducted from September to November 2024. The sessions were held over two days at each hospital: the first day was a basic training for heads of department, while the second day was dedicated to 5S training for WIT members.
Key training topics for heads of department:
- Basic concept of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM Approach
- Results of 3rd external M&S
- Customer Satisfaction Survey, time survey, and incident reporting
- M&E for 5S-KAIZEN at the department level
- Importance of heads of department for QI implementation structure
Key training topics for WIT Members:
- Function of WIT to promote QI including 5S-KAIZEN activities at the department level
- Practical steps for implementing the 5S−KAIZEN−TQM Approach
- Effective implementation of S4（Standardize）and S5（Sustain）activities
Japanese expert sharing 3rd external M&S results at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital
Quality Improvement Team (QIT) member conducting a lecture for heads of department at Gweru Provincial Hospital
Heads of department discussing their roles in QI activities during the training session at Marondera Provincial Hospital
Quality Assurance Officer from QAPS Directorate delivering a lecture to WIT members at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals
Deputy Director of QAPS Directorate giving opening remarks at Chitungwiza Central Hospital
Training session for WIT members at United Bulawayo Hospital
Training Outcomes and Way forward
Through this activity, approximately 1,600 participants (653 heads of department and 985 WIT members) received training. Participant feedback indicated high satisfaction with the training content, with many expressing that they gained practical ideas for QI initiatives applicable to their departments. However, about 20% of respondents felt that the training duration was too short, highlighting an area for future improvement in the training program.
Moving forward, further improvements in quality of health service and safety are expected through strengthened leadership among heads of department and the promotion of 5S-KAIZEN activities led by WIT members. In particular, the practical application of S4 (Standardize) activities, which had previously been insufficiently understood and implemented, is expected to progress based on the ideas provided during the training sessions.
The progress and outcomes of these initiatives will be reviewed during the next round of external M&S scheduled from April to June 2025.