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Resident Physicians Learn Kata Method for Continuous Improvement

Four resident physicians attended a virtual workshop that introduced them to the Kata method of continuous improvement. Led by Skip Steward, Chief Improvement Officer for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, the three-day conference delved into the philosophy that individuals can develop habits and skills to obtain true continuous improvement and maximum efficiency.

Steward’s presentation explains, “A Kata is a routine you practice, so its pattern becomes an automatic habit that gives you some new skills.” Personal habits can be harnessed as powerful tools to influence people’s daily lives and outcomes. The learning sessions also provided techniques and methods the trainees can use to overcome obstacles that may stand in the way of success.

Dr. Garrett Hadley, Dr. Simra Kiran, Dr. Swetha Priyadarshan, and Dr. Sajan Sarker completed the seminar in July. In the coming months, the rest of the first class of resident physicians will have the chance to join a workshop. The goal of introducing all 12 resident physicians to the structure and routine of Kata is to elevate their approach to the quality and improvement initiatives they undertake.