Process mapping

A process is a series of connected steps or actions to achieve an outcome (NHS Institute of Innovation and Improvement 2005, page 9). These could involve a few steps and be relatively simple or contain multiple steps.

Process mapping is a powerful and simple technique. The map of the patient's journey gives:

a reference point for any improvement project, large or small
an opportunity to bring multidisciplinary teams together
an overview of the complete process to help staff understand how difficult things can be for patients
an aid to highlight where changes might be most effective
a catalyst for creative ideas
an event to draw the team together and foster a sense of ownership
an important end product, that can be used and updated in the light of changes introduced.

There is more on process mapping in the Step Guide to Operating Theatre Performance (NHS Modernisation Agency 2002).

The NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement also provides some guidance on process mapping - See A conventional model of process mapping.