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Pharmaceutical Technology, Manufacturing, Quality, Business Transformation & Continuous Improvement Blog

How to initiate Continuous Improvement campaign in your organization?

5/15/2017

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By Dr. Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Are my business processes effective? Improving your business processes by Dr. Shruti Bhat

Are you thinking of initiating a Continuous Improvement campaign in your organization? 

It’s said, “Every journey begins with the first step”… and the first step in the Continuous Improvement journey is to acknowledge whether your business processes are or aren’t effective … since if the problem isn’t identified, all solutions are bad!
 

Efficient and effective processes result in increased customer satisfaction and effective value. Correct designed business strategy results in Efficient Processes, while apt implementation of the strategy make Effective Processes. 

It is necessary for business processes to be effective in order for the company to grow since customer value is such an important aspect of the majority of organizations. A successful way to increase business process effectiveness to a company is to add greater focus on daily business activities and figure out how they can be made more effective, which slightly differs from efficiency.  
 
It is necessary to develop a good business strategy in order to increase the success of an organization. Even if a good strategy is developed, it does not mean much until it has been applied effectively. If a business is lacking in business processes, it will show by wasting money and time, which tends to be noticeable by less-than-favorable quality in products or services. It can also cause employees to lose their motivation and loyalty to an organization. It is ideal to improve the business process in order to ensure this does not happen.
 
The main ideas behind business process effectiveness include finding out what the customer and the business focus on and what is of importance, identifying the current main business processes, prioritizing various processes and allowing employees to contribute. Employees should be educated on the ideas behind new business processes that are being implemented in order to ensure that the effectiveness is highly possible. Employees in all departments need to be able to communicate freely and to be heard on various topics, such as their ideas regarding inadequacies or areas that are lacking within the organization. 
  
It is not always essential for organizations to undergo a complete make-over since increasing effectiveness can be done in increments. If an organization is experiencing negative effects from current processes then it is essential to find a new way of making things work. The first step to improvement is mapping out and detailing the various stages in each process. The map must then be analyzed and questioned in order to find out the root cause of the problem. It is highly likely for the problem to arise again if the root cause isn’t discovered. 
 
The next stage requires a redesign of existing processes by getting rid of the identified problems. Once the problems are ridden, the new process has to be backed up by the appropriate resources. Implementing new business processes can be a large step and requires a lot of communication and sometimes retraining as well. After all stages are complete, it is vital to review the changes and to continue to use the new business process in order to achieve greater effectiveness. And this is achieved by use of correct metrics and tools ...



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30 Proven tools to drive Profitability, Quality and Operational Effectiveness in Manufacturing and Service Industry.
30 proven tools to drive profitability, quality and operational effectiveness in manufacturing and service industry by Dr. Shruti Bhat
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Related Video:

Six Basic Steps Involved In Any Business Process Improvement (BPI)

Are you thinking of initiating Continuous Improvement campaign in your organization? Contact Shruti Bhat

About Dr. Shruti Bhat:

Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at
http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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Is your medicine cabinet stuffed with expired or medications you no longer use? Check out this post ...

5/11/2017

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Is your medicine cabinet full of expired drugs or medications you no longer use? How should you dispose of them?

Many community-based drug “take-back” programs offer the best option. Otherwise, almost all medicines can be thrown in the household trash, but consumers should take the precautions described here
https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/EnsuringSafeUseofMedicine/SafeDisposalofMedicines/ucm186187.htm

Drug Disposal Guidelines and Locations in USA:

The following guidelines were developed to encourage the proper disposal of medicines and help reduce harm from accidental exposure or intentional misuse after they are no longer needed:

  • Follow any specific disposal instructions on the prescription drug labeling or patient information that accompanies the medicine. Do not flush medicines down the sink or toilet unless this information specifically instructs you to do so [Read More]

Related posts: How to dispose off expired medicines?
                             Do you choose your doctor correctly? How do you choose your medicines?

Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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Preview of Business Process Management and Continuous Improvement Executive Guide Series eBook 'How to Use Kaizen for Increased Profitability and Organizational Excellence' by Dr. Shruti Bhat

5/9/2017

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how to use kaizen to increase profitability and organizational excellence?
The term Kaizen come from a Japanese phrase that means ‘Make Better’. It uses the Japanese judgment of improving the workplace internally to bring about desired results.
 
The Kaizen institute defines ‘Kaizen’ as the Japanese term for continuous improvement. It uses common sense, statistical quality control and an adaptive framework of organizational values and beliefs, which keeps workers and management focussed on zero defects. It is a philosophy of never being satisfied with what has been accomplished, but to keep improvement on-going. 

Improvements through Kaizen have a focus. Kaizen generates process-oriented thinking is people-oriented and is directed at people’s efforts. Rather than identifying employees as the ‘problem’, Kaizen emphasizes that the ‘process’ is the ‘target’ and employees can provide improvements by understanding how their joint fits into the process and changing it.
 
The essence of Kaizen is that, people that perform a certain task are most knowledgeable about that task; consequently, by involving them and showing confidence in their capabilities, ownership of the process is raised to its highest level. In addition, the team effort encourages innovation and change and by involving all layers of employees, the imaginary organizational walls disappear to make room for productive improvements. From such a perspective, Kaizen is not only an approach to manufacturing competitiveness, but also everybody’s business, because its premise is based on the concept that every person has an interest in improvement.
 
The roots of Kaizen reach back to the late 1940s, when Japan’s economy was still reeling from the second World War.
 
Kaizen principles have been viewed as one of the key factors to Japanese competitiveness. It begins with the admission that every organization has problems, which provide opportunities for change. It evolves around involving everyone in the organization and largely depends on cross-functional teams that can be empowered to challenge the status quo.
 
 
‘It is not necessary to change.
Survival is not mandatory.”

                   - W. Edwards Deming

  
Working with Deming and other consultants, Japanese industries created several new management approaches, one of which was Kaizen. Using these approaches, they were soon able to out-produce their counterparts in other industrial nations, and earn a reputation for quality and economy. Today, Japan is a world leader in auto and electronics manufacturing!
 
Kaizen techniques became famous when Toyota used them to rise to world’s automotive leadership. The company is credited as pioneer to formalize Kaizen technique and implement it as part of a global business plan. Rather than undertake large projects, Toyota’s staff was encouraged to identify problems, no matter how small, trace their root causes and implement all necessary solutions.
 
Over a single year, one of Toyota’s plants in the United States recorded over 75,000 suggestions from 7,000 employees, and reported implementing over 99% of those suggestions. Every implemented step had a positive effect on safety, efficiency, productivity, and/or reliability. While each step may have been small on its own, the total result was a drastic and long-lasting improvement in the company.
 
That’s the drive of Kaizen — many small steps, all in the right direction, continuing indefinitely.
 
Since Kaizen comes from the words, "Renew the heart and make it good." Therefore, adaptation of the Kaizen concept also requires changes in "the heart of the business", corporate culture and structure, since Kaizen enables companies to translate the corporate vision in every aspect of a company's operational practice.

 

Kaizen Philosophy:
 
  • Waste elimination.
  • With Kaizen, some of the common elements of business philosophy change drastically.
  • Observe how things are done, organize, and implement changes.
  • Employees are expected to offer improvements to procedures.
  • Innovation can come from anyone with an idea.
  • Final quality comes from attention at every step of production.
  • Reliability comes from good maintenance processes.
  • Inventory levels are kept small to reduce waste. Production problems must be caught and resolved before a shortage arises.
  • Specialization is useful, but understanding “before” and “after” gives extra insight (making each employee that much more valuable).
  • Changes to the system are made constantly, in small steps, at every level of the company, to achieve ongoing improvement.
     
    Tip: The message of Kaizen philosophy is that, not one single day should go by without some type of improvement being made, in some process, in the company.
     
    Tip: Kaizen is everyone’s job. The Kaizen approach requires that all employees participate; therefore, everyone in the company is encouraged to play a role in Kaizen activities.


Kaizen components:

  1. Perceptiveness- All Kaizen projects are based on identified problems. If no problem has been identified, there is no Kaizen.
  2. Idea generation.
  3. Decision implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
  

Much of the focus in Kaizen is on reducing "waste" and this waste takes EIGHT forms:
 
  1. Mistakes/Reworks.
  2. Excess Inventory (includes material, time and information).
  3. Transporting (Unnecessary Transport of Materials).
  4. Motion (Unnecessary Movement of People).
  5. Waiting (or delays).
  6. Over Processing (Excess Process Steps).
  7. Over Producing (Services/Goods do not meet the Customer demands).
  8. Failure to Utilize the Time and/or Staff Talents. 

End of sample chapter from the book. Enjoyed the preview?
Do check out the eBook !
How to use Kaizen for Increased Profitability and Organizational Excellence?


how to use kaizen to increase profitability and organizational excellence?


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Download the eBook FREE !
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About the author:

Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at
http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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Continuous Improvement Tool Kit- SWOT Analysis

5/4/2017

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By Dr. Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

continuous improvement tool kit
Success of a Continuous Improvement campaign in any organization depends on several factors such as- change leader, strategy, implementation, tools etc.
 
One such valuable tool is SWOT.
 
SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threat.
 
A SWOT analysis helps one figure out which advantages and disadvantages are currently present in an organization as well as the environment outside of the organization. It is a helpful tool in developing better understanding of the overall condition and to make the best choices in terms of making decisions and strategizing. While it is commonly used in business and similar industries for market analysis, SWOT can actually be used excellently for continuous improvement campaigns. 

SWOT analysis is used as a method of assessment and is a commonly integrated tool that is used with project management as well. Ideally, SWOT analysis should be used at the earliest stages of decision making for improving strategies or a continuous improvement program. It is meant to be the first stage of action since it helps determine the subsequent stages. Ideas that can come after SWOT analysis include new ideas, decision-making capabilities, strategies, and identification of problematic areas, redefining current processes and potential change. 

It is up to the organization as to who to choose to take part in SWOT analysis. The owner, CEO of the organization should be included in the process along with grass-root stage employees. SWOT analysis can be performed as often as necessary. Many companies find it beneficial to perform SWOT analysis on a quarterly basis in order to keep up to date with the problems and high points of the processes and to get rid of the problems before they affect/ effect the organization in a substantial manner. 

SWOT analysis draws attention to the four points labeled in the name. In order to improve an organization, the advantages and disadvantages need to be recognized and analyzed in order to come with up with a good plan of action. Those involved in the SWOT analysis are required to come up with individual tables that are divided into four columns (relating to each element). This makes it easier to make comparisons. 

The Strengths and Weaknesses are internal elements in the organization. This can include resources such as capital, financial and human resources, as well processes that are currently used in the organization. In order to get the most out of the SWOT analysis, those filling in the strengths and weaknesses should be as honest as possible. The external elements covered by SWOT analysis include trends, such as economic or market, demographics and funding. 

There are over 100 Continuous Improvement tools, some more important than others.  For more  information about Continuous Improvement Tools, please do checkout my book '30 Proven tools to drive Profitability, Quality and Operational Efficiency in Manufacturing & Service Industry'.




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Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert'. More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Want to invite Shruti to speak at your organization or evaluate Continuous Improvement prospects for your organization?

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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9 Top Skills to look for, while hiring a Continuous Improvement Expert or Consulting Firm?

5/1/2017

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By Dr. Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
www.ShrutiBhat.com

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What are the Top Technical and People Skills one should look for while hiring a Continuous Improvement or Business Process Management Consultant/ Expert or Consulting Firm?
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I get this question all the time, as soon as they know I am a Management Consultant for the highly regulated Pharmaceutical Industry ...

There are many, but here are NINE crucial skills of highly effective Continuous Improvement/ Business Process Management Expert, namely:

  1. Ability to understand client’s business and be efficient at stakeholder management.
  2. Should have an integrated and overall understanding of the industry sector, its verticals, peculiarities, regulations & legislations, product types, customer avenues and marketing geographies. Most importantly for companies, it is imperative to match ‘chemistry’ with the Expert rather than looking at ‘geometry’ of the Consulting firm.
  3. Up-to-date knowledge of different continuous improvement / business process management methodologies.
  4. Passion for implementing them in order to bring forth the desired positive changes within prescribed time, scope and budget.
  5. Ability to speak up when top management is wrong.
  6. Ability to explain complex ideas in simple words.
  7. Ability to listen and openness to learning.
  8. Patience, persistence and persuasion while bringing on and/or managing change.
  9. Amnesia- This is the most vital criteria.
    The continuous improvement expert should forget all the good work he/she did with previous organizations- What worked there may not work in the new place, as each company has its own set of business processes, people, organizational culture, office politics and associated problems as a result thereof. The continuous improvement expert should have a mindset of always ‘starting with a clean slate’.


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Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert'. More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Want to invite Shruti to speak at your organization or evaluate Continuous Improvement prospects for your organization?

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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Changes in Drug Application Process to Health Canada!

4/28/2017

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changes in drug application process to health canada


Beginning on 1 January 2018, Health Canada will only accept submissions for certain regulatory procedures in electronic common technical document (eCTD) format. As of that date, Health Canada says that sponsors must use eCTD format for all new drug submissions (NDS) and abbreviated new drug submissions (ANDS), as well as supplements to both submission types. The agency also notes that sponsors can request an exemption from the requirement for individual products, but says it expects companies to provide their "rationale for the exemption as well as an intended plan for converting to eCTD format."
[ Read more
]


Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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Kaizen- key factor to Japan's competitiveness.

4/25/2017

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Shruti bhat kaizen expert, pharmaceutical continuous improvement mastermind
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Available in digital and paperback editions !
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Know more about how Kaizen can increase Profitability and Organizational Effectiveness of your business [...]

Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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Implementing Kaizen in Life Sciences Industries

4/21/2017

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Finally a go-to reference handbook for implementing Kaizen in Pharmaceutical, Medical device and Biotech Industries!

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Available as digital and paperback editions!
Kaizen procedures evolved in the automobile industry. Therefore, most of Kaizen literature, publications, books, cite Kaizen implementation in factories such as Toyota, Ford, Mazda and the like. But work practices within pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech industry are different from the auto sector. 

Regulations, customer demands, competitor landscape, product criteria, facility and environmental needs as well as employee skills within pharmaceutical (medical devices and biotech) companies are extremely stringent and totally different from the automobile industry. Therefore, ‘as is’ Kaizen practices from auto sector won’t work for pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech organizations. Kaizen needs to be customized for these life science industries, to achieve its full benefits. So far, there has been no book on Kaizen that is customized for such industries.


Related item:

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This Kaizen books features # 4 on Amazon Best Sellers List!


For over a decade, the author, Dr. Shruti Bhat has successfully completed more than 250 Kaizen, Lean Six Sigma and other continuous improvement projects worldwide within pharmaceuticals NHP, medical devices, biotech and healthcare sectors, and felt it will be beneficial to share those techniques and experiences.

In addition to explaining all the general Kaizen process features, implementation, and application, this book also provides a structured approach to designing Kaizen strategies, practices and implementation for pharmaceutical, medical device and biotech companies. 

This book will be most applicable to small to medium-size companies. It will demystify Kaizen and help business leaders in pharmaceutical, medical device, biotech and all life sciences organizations, irrespective of their size or workplace culture. It will also provide practical and useful examples and case studies of Kaizen principles that can be executed at various levels across the organization as well as for yourself as an individual to further your personal career. And last but not the least, it will help to improve revenues and create a lasting profitable change by using Kaizen principles and techniques. ​
Kaizen for pharmaceuticals
Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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4 Crucial tips to succeed with Continuous Improvement campaign in your organization.

4/18/2017

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By Dr. Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Rationale for Continuous Improvement-

Traditionally rising competition and changing customer demands have posed immense challenges to businesses. However, businesses today must deal with two additional problems, namely- fluctuating market economy and irregular cash flow. There is little direct control a business has over market economy, competition or customer demand. But preventing a situation of irregular cash flow is hundred percent in the hands of the company.

As many as 80% of small businesses worldwide deal with irregular cash flow crisis on a daily basis. This can be completely avoided by practising a culture of Continuous Improvement.


shruti bhat, kaizen, continuous improvement mastermind


Here are four crucial tips for meeting success with Continuous Improvement campaign in your company-

  1. Employee engagement- One of the most important ways of developing Continuous Improvement in an organization is to let the employees know their significance to the 'Continuous Improvement' goal. Adding an incentive to Continuous Improvement campaigns has often found to raise employee morale.
  2. Communication strategy- Developing a culture of Continuous Improvement often relies on the Change Leader's ability to communicate regularly, precisely and authentically share ideas with employees.  It is necessary for anticipations to be expressed as clearly as possible. It is also advisable for expectations to be repeated frequently so that employees are reminded. Further, employees should know whom they can ask questions to. It is vital that employees are encouraged to ask questions and feel comfortable asking them. 
  3. Employee Training- Continuous Improvement in an organization means that employees are constantly learning, improving and consistently contributing to the main goal of the organization.
  4. Choice of Continuous Improvement methodology - Continuous Improvement necessitates all individuals within the company to move in the same desirable direction and meet goals in an organized manner. Using a variety of assessment & planning tools determine speed and duration of change, operational effectiveness and sustained organizational excellence with Continuous Improvement initiatives. 

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Download eBook 'How to Choose a Business Process Improvement Methodology for your Organization and Measure the Positive Change?'
Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert'. More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Want to invite Shruti to speak at your organization or evaluate Continuous Improvement prospects for your organization?

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA
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How to dispose expired medicines?

4/5/2017

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It's Spring time !  And many (me included) do Spring cleaning in our homes, offices, shops. We clean and organize our homes and workplaces. It is also an ideal time to clean medicine cabinets and dispose-off expired or time-barred medicines.

Expired or time-barred medicines are medications that have passed on their expiry date (stated on its label). The expiry date of a medicine simply means “Don’t consume this product beyond the stated date on the label”. Because, such time-barred medicines can prove to be dangerous if ingested (even accidentally) and you can easily prevent such mishaps by proactively cleaning your medicine cabinets periodically during the year.


Another important point to note is, to always assess the medicine before you consume. Any change in its physical appearance, consistency, texture, color, smell, indicates decomposition of the product and is therefore un-fit for consumption or use. Please don’t use such products even if they're within the labeled expiry date. Inform your pharmacy and the manufacturing company about the matter. Doing this will not only benefit you, but it will also do social good. The pharmacy, manufacturing company will be able to take appropriate steps to recall the product, study their product for quality non-compliance and fix it.

Expiry dates are applicable not only for medicines that are ingested, inhaled, but also for those that are for external application, for example (and not limiting to) ointments, creams, tinctures, shampoos etc. 

Moreover, expiry dates are also applicable for cosmetics and food items. And one should ensure to dispose-off time-barred cosmetics and food products too.

So how do we dispose expired medicines? First thing “don’t throw them away in trash cans or garbage”. If they’re in strip or blister packs, then open the blister/ strips and then dump in water for 30- 60 minutes. Don’t throw this water into drain. Follow your city/ municipality's guidelines for disposing such items. Or inquire with your pharmacy if they have a protocol to accept un-used, expired medicines for disposal. This ensures yours as well as your community’s safety while handling expired medicines.

A classic example are anti-cancer medicines. It’s well-known that anti-cancer medicines can be extremely harmful if ingested by healthy people. Even inhaling dust of such medicines can lead to a healthy person developing cancer. Many other drugs, such as opiates, marijuana, anti- depressant drugs can be very dangerous and fatal beyond expiry and should be handled with care during their disposal.

A strict protocol to follow while disposing-off expired medicines therefore is- Handle with care, safety and using appropriate City/ Municipal prescribed procedures.

Getting in the habit of routinely reviewing your medications, properly disposing of unused/unwanted/ expired medicines and keeping your medications organized ensure - You take your prescriptions correctly and your family's safety seriously.

This is the most easy and effective way to self-help, your family, on the track to wellness, better health !


Disclaimer- Readers are advised to please note that, the information contained in this article is NOT a substitute for medical advice. It is intended to empower general public to understand the pharmaceutical world and consider ideas and alternatives while discussing their specific health scenario with medical and pharmaceutical professionals. Please discuss your specific scenario with a qualified Medical Doctor and ONLY follow health advice given by a qualified medical professional. Also, please note that each country has its own health care related regulation(s), readers are therefore expected to over-ride any information presented here to adhere to rules of their land.


Tags: #ShrutiBhat, #LeanInnovation, #TQM



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Are you choosing your doctor correctly? How do you choose your medicines? Tips - Part 2 of 2

2/18/2017

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Part 1 of this blog post asked two questions- Are you choosing your doctor correctly? Are you choosing your prescription/ OTC medicines correctly?

In order to take an informed decision one needs to obtain background information about your potential doctor, clinic, hospital, medicine (and pharmaceutical company that makes them). Here are few tips -

1. Check if the doctor's degrees are authentic:
With so many cases of degrees being forged and quacks running the hospital show, one needs to be sure, that the doctor who would potentially treat you is at least the medical expert he/she claims. An easy way is to check with medical colleges, city medical registry etc.


2. Surf internet about the doctor, clinic, hospital. Much information will be available (of course you need to screen wisely). Patients, caretakers, relatives post their experiences for the benefit of others. Phone or email them, try and source more information that will help you to decide.


3. Get a detailed quote about doctor’s fees, surgical procedures involved, time taken, hospital stay, approximate cost of medicines etc. Compare quotes and if there are major discrepancies, investigate deeper.

4. In cases where a clinic, hospital expect patients to take medicines, devices they give (and not buy from an outside pharmacy), doubly ensure authenticity of such medicines, devices. I’m aware of incidences where, stents picked up from the ashes of cremated angioplasty patients have been re-used by hospitals! Unbelievable and horrifying isn’t it?

5. Take a second opinion surrounding your diagnosis. Severe the ailment, more important the independent second or third opinion regarding diagnosis and line of therapy that is, prescribed medicines to be taken. (I do understand this costs money. But then it’s better safe than sorry).

6. Before buying the prescribed drug check if this medicine needs to be taken for life time. For example, blood pressure, diabetes medicines are to be taken lifelong. Check immediate and long term side effects of drugs. Importance reference points are- 

Physician’s drug reference (PDR) available in your library or online.

FDA –Adverse events reporting website
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/Surveillance/AdverseDrugEffects/

Independent free internet sites: 

http://www.rxlist.com/script/main/hp.asp  ;

http://www.drugs.com/   ;  

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm196029.htm
;

http://www.medbroadcast.com/drug_info.asp

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodpharma/databasdon/index-eng.php

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/side-effects/

http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/targetedtherapy/targeted-therapy-side-effects

Also, check if there are any reported interactions with other drugs that you might be taking.

7. 
Check who is the innovator company for this drug. Also, check which other companies are making and selling this drug in your country. Do price comparisons.
The innovator company as the name implies is the one who invented this drug and introduced in the market for the first time. The other companies sell generic versions of the drug. Both are supposed to be equally safe and effective (scientifically termed Bio or therapeutically equivalent) in patients. Whether to buy a drug product from an innovator or a generic is completely left to the patient’s discretion.

8. 
Check about the pharmaceutical company that manufactures and sells your medicine. Some companies don’t manufacture, instead they do contract manufacturing at other places and only sell medicines. The rules surrounding contract manufacturing, labeling vary in different countries. In certain cases this information is printed on the product label as “Manufactured by (name of the company) and marketed by (name of the company)”. In any event, this information is available for public reference at each country’s local FDA office.

Do an internet surf and check published reports, reviews about the company. An important point to note is whether the company has received 483 notices (i.e. notice of non-compliance to prescribed regulations) from FDA. This link gives free information about FDA inspection reports, observations and 483 notices to pharmaceuticals, devices, food companies http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/Inspections/ucm250720.htm#
Check if at any point of time de-barred from importing/ exporting into your country. Also, check what the company did to amend the case before their permission got re-approved.

9. Check with your pharmacy if they have received complaints about this product from other customers.

10. Check if your medicine has been dis-approved/ discontinued in any country, yet available and prescribed in your country.

My experience is that, good doctors usually appreciate when a patient takes interest in his/her well-being. Patient’s motivation certainly gives a big boost to a doctor’s therapy. Good doctors are happy to see their patient’s cured. So please discuss your drug research findings with them. Help them to help (treat) you. Your updates will also help other patients (with similar ailment).

Hope this information benefits you and your loved ones. Lastly before I sign-off on this note-

Yes, YOU as the patient have a right to choose both your doctor and the medicines you take.

Don’t be a meek patient and accept whatever is handed out to you.

Be vigilant and decisive.  Get well soon… stay healthy, happy.


Disclaimer- Readers are advised to please note that, the information contained in this article is NOT a substitute for medical advice. It is intended to empower general public to understand the pharmaceutical world and consider ideas and alternatives while discussing their specific health scenario with medical and pharmaceutical professionals. Please discuss your specific scenario with a qualified Medical Doctor and ONLY follow health advice given by a qualified medical professional. Also, please note that each country has its own health care related regulation(s), readers are therefore expected to over-ride any information presented here to adhere to rules of their land.


Tags: #ShrutiBhat, #LeanInnovation, #TQM


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Book preview: Business Process Improvement for Manufacturing & Service Industry by Shruti Bhat

7/16/2015

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business process improvement by shruti bhat, pharmaceutical continuous improvement consultant
Introduction- What is a business process?
 
One of the first person to describe business processes was Adam Smith (1776) in his famous example of a pin factory. Since then business processes have evolved and better defined. A business process defines the various activities involved in achieving a goal. Business processes briefly describe the chain of events that are involved in an activity or a group of activities. It is common to use a business process if the activities influence current products or data and bring about production. 


Types of business processes include-

 
  • Management processes such as Corporate governance, Strategic management, planning and implementation.
  • Operational processes, which constitute the core business and create primary value stream. Typically, they include Procurement & sourcing, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales and Customer service.
  • Supporting processes, which support the operational processes and include Finance & Accounting, Recruitment & Human Resources Management, Research and Technical support.



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Some examples include invoicing, product shipping details, updating information, tracking orders, allocating budgets etc. Business processes used throughout organization, at any level, are outlined to improve organization in an effective and efficient way. There can be several inputs in a business process but there is always only one output or specific goal- that is to help business thrive.
 
Business processes are used practically in any organization and throughout an organization at any level. They are used in a variety of industries such as private, public sector, government, departments, hospitals, charities etc. Business processes are, typically outlined to improve an organization in an effective and efficient way.
 
Various computer software make it possible to create business processes on a computer, however simple business processes are just as effective when written with pen and paper. Some even find it better to jot down the processes on a piece of paper, or on several small ones, to kick start their creativity and thinking process.  It is up to the professional (and/or organization) to decide whether a software or traditional method will work best for them. Business processes work best when there is input, support and ideas from various people that are involved in the organization (or department).
 
Key business processes are logically grouped related tasks and activities, independent of the organization’s structure, which utilize the resources of the organization to produce specific results. They possess measurable inputs & outputs, value addition and repeatable activity.
 
Tip- The effective management of key business process requires- Ownership & planning, performance metrics & control, process qualification, management and improvement methodology.
 
A business process always begins with a customer’s need and ends with a customer’s need fulfilment.
 
Customer needs change, technologies change, government policies change, competition changes and what used to be a high level of performance becomes a poor one and it’s time to replace the formerly good process with a new one- only every process cycle should have this capacity of identification, in-built in its charter.
 
As a practicing Business Transformation expert of many years, I am happy to mention here few case studies, nay success stories. Let me share three examples-
 
A consumer goods manufacturing company redesigned its product deployment process, by means of which, it now manufactures goods and delivers them to its distribution center such that inventory uptake was reduced by 35%, while stock-out goods situation declined by 70% ...

End of this sample eBook
Enjoyed the preview? Click to know more ...

Shruti Bhat, PhD (Tech.), MBA, Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is Continuous Improvement mastermind for Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Industry. She is often called "Profitability expert' More about Shruti at http://www.shrutibhat.com/

Connect with Shruti:
Twitter https://twitter.com/DrShrutiUBhat
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshrutibhat
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Nice video on how to grow your service based business-


For more such videos, subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRM2zmQXT0gpn7-YbOQibLA

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Are you choosing your doctor correctly? How do you choose your medicines? YOU decide quality of your life-  Part 1 of 2

2/24/2015

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For past few days, I’ve been blasted with news articles dropping in my email inbox, about allegedly corrupt medical practises affecting patient’s health and finances. Some of the articles were indeed interesting reads. With a disclaimer of not being sure about the authenticity of their content, I share them here for your quick review-

Big Pharma is America’s new mafia-
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/02/21/big-pharma-is-america-s-new-mafia.html

How pharma is taking you for a ride? - http://dissidentvoice.org/2015/02/how-pharma-is-taking-you-for-a-ride/

The drug that is bankrupting America- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeffrey-sachs/the-drug-that-is-bankrupt_b_6692340.html

Why are so many toddlers taking Psychiatric drugs ?
http://blogs.wsj.com/experts/2015/02/19/why-are-so-many-toddlers-taking-psychiatric-drugs/

These articles describe Pharmaceutical industry’s influence on doctor’s prescribing habits; fraud’s in clinical drug trials; falsified data published in prestigious medical journals and submitted to FDA etc. Worse still the published data doesn’t get corrected after true facts are known; nobody ever finds out which data is bogus, which experiments are/were tainted and which drugs might be on the market under false pretenses. Over the years, many prescription drugs have been recalled after serious side effects and even deaths were reported in patient population who consumed those drugs.

This is deeply troubling !

Patients go to the doctor with a hope that they would get the best of medical advice they deserve and be cured of their ailments. Instead they get conned, duped, misguided. I’m sure this is not the case with all patients or all doctors, but still, my question is- Why should a medical doctor misguide patients or prescribe unnecessary medicines to patients?

This is absolutely unacceptable !


But there is little an individual patient can do to change this alleged doctor- fraud hoopla, especially at the time he/she are ailing. At that time their first concern is to get well. I do realize that if a person ails, they need doctors and medicines, but gone are the days when you could trust your doctors, hospitals and medical care advisors to decide for you. Unfortunately, the practical scene today is, YOU 'alone' are responsible for your life and health.

That said, I’ve two quick questions- Are you choosing your doctor correctly? Are you choosing your prescription/ OTC medicines correctly?

Think about it- When one is job hunting, he/she researches about the company (or potential employer). When companies hire employees, they do a thorough background check. So, when you choose a doctor, should you not do a background check of your doctor (along with clinic, hospital, drugs and the company that makes them) ? Most certainly the answer is affirmative !

Part 2 describes few ways, one can find background information about a doctor, clinic, hospital, medicines and pharmaceutical company that make them.

Disclaimer- Readers are advised to please note that, the information contained in this article is NOT a substitute for medical advice. It is intended to empower general public to understand the pharmaceutical world and consider ideas and alternatives while discussing their specific health scenario with medical and pharmaceutical professionals. Please discuss your specific scenario with a qualified Medical Doctor and ONLY follow health advice given by a qualified medical professional. Also, please note that each country has its own health care related regulation(s), readers are therefore expected to over-ride any information presented here to adhere to rules of their land.


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Caution! Don’t consume alcohol, fruit juices while taking medications.

2/20/2015

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Many times people are unaware of the effects of drinking alcohol and fruit juices while on medications. Certain medications such as anti-depressants, anti-blood pressure, anti-diabetics should never be mixed or consumed along with alcohol (not even 1-2 social drinks). Similarly, certain anti-blood pressure medicines and antibiotics should never be consumed along with fruit juices especially grape-fruit juice. Why so? Three main reasons:

Firstly because many drugs inherently interact with alcohol and/ or fruit juices (including natural juices). This means that the drug’s behavior on a patient’s body changes and it may not show the desired beneficial effect or cure. In other cases, it may also show single or multiple adverse effects including vomiting, head ache, flushing, paralysis or even death.

Secondly, if a patient takes multiple medications (including vitamins and supplements), consuming alcohol or fruit juice along with medications can lead to potential drug-drug interactions inside a patient’s body. This can aggravate effect of one drug while minimizing effect of other drugs, producing toxic effects of one drug while the other drugs show no effect at all ! 

Thirdly, if a patient takes a ‘Time Release” medication, consuming alcohol along with such medications might prove to be fatal.

A time-release medicament is a hi-tech product. It typically contains 2 or more doses of the drug (or medicament) in a single tablet or capsule, which is programmed to automatically release appropriate drug doses at programmed time intervals. Alcohol damages this programming and the patient gets all doses in one go, scientifically referred to as ‘dose dumping’. The adversity of toxic effects will directly be dependent upon the extent of dose-dumping and may include head ache, vomiting, skin rashes, difficulty in breathing, loss of vision, memory loss, paralysis and death. Since, each person’s body reacts differently to alcohol initiated dose-dumping, it is absolutely impractical to predict severity of adverse effects.

Synonymous time-release formulations include- Extended release (ER), Modified release (MR), Controlled release (CR), Sustained release (SR), Prolonged release (PR), Delayed release (DR) etc.

Time-release medications are available both as Prescription (for example Sedatives, Marijuana, Antidepressants, Opiates, Anti-diabetic, Anti-blood pressure, Antibiotics etc.) as well as Over- the-counter (OTC) products (such as Cold, Flu, Anti-allergy, Aspirin, Pain remedies etc).

Regardless of the medicament being regular or a time release product, if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, ask your health care provider for advice about alcohol, fruit juice intake. An important point to note is that even herbal medicines and supplements can have adverse interactions with alcohol and/or fruit juices.

Disclaimer- Readers are advised to please note that, the information contained in this article is NOT a substitute for medical advice. It is intended to empower general public to understand the pharmaceutical world and consider ideas and alternatives while discussing their specific health scenario with medical and pharmaceutical professionals. Please discuss your specific scenario with a qualified Medical Doctor and ONLY follow health advice given by a qualified medical professional. Also, please note that each country has its own health care related regulation(s), readers are therefore expected to over-ride any information presented here to adhere to rules of their land.



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Future of influenza virus seems glum ! Nano technology incredibly employed in anti- viral drug delivery system.

2/17/2015

1 Comment

 
Bad news for influenza virus - Nano tech can destroy it now.

As we know currently marketed anti-influenza drugs, including Tamiflu have been reported to only suppress influenza virus and not destroy it.

However, combined play of Pharmaceutical science and Nano technology have allowed development of unique delivery system that contains a peptide that sits on the virus, while the bio-degradable Nano- vesicle attracts this conjugated virus, engulfs it, thereby destroying it completely.

Similar work is also on-going towards treatment options for dengue.

Posted by Technology Watch Cell,
Innoworks Inc. Canada
www.Innoworks.ca
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