Why use it?

A process map is a really useful tool to understand the system as it works currently.

A process map can be useful to generate change ideas and help to establish a measurement plan.

It can be used to induct new staff to processes to get consistency with how a process occurs.

How to use it?

NHS Improvement has created a useful resource to read before process mapping that can be found by clicking here.

Remember that a process map is a visualisation of how a process happens. It is not a visualisation of your project plan.

A process map should be updated as you continue to improve your process.

If you need help to create a process map, contact the team.

• Where possible, create process maps with Post-it notes. People will feel more comfortable making changes to this, increasing the chance that your map will be accurate

• Ensure that you have everyone who is involved in the process present when you create the process map. This will allow for discussions about all parts of the process, including parts people might do differently

• If you can’t have everyone present, consider starting the map and then leaving it in a shared space (e.g. lunch room) where people can look at it and make changes to it

• When making the map, keep it visible to everyone so that all team members can see what is being suggested

• Once you have a map that people agree on, look for any duplication, any ‘dead ends’ or any steps that don’t add value. Consider focusing your improvements in these areas

• Discuss the parts that people do differently. It may be important to start with reducing variation in these parts of the process before starting other change ideas

• Agree on the beginning and end point before starting your process map

• Once you have created your process map, take photos of it so that you remember and have a record of what you have produced

• Consider having a patient look over your process map to check whether your understanding of what they experience is correct