Flowchart

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A flowchart identifies the actual flow of events in a process, in comparison to the prescribed or ideal flow of events. A flowchart:

  • Shows complexity, redundancy, problem areas
  • Compares and contrasts the actual vs. the ideal
  • Allows a team to agree on the steps of the process
  • Identifies areas where additional data can be collected and analyzed
  • Serves as a training aid
How to Construct a Flowchart

Creation

  1. Clearly define where the process begins and ends
  2. Determine the steps in the process
  3. Put the steps in sequence (as is, not as what it should be)
  4. Draw the flowchart and test it
  5. Finalize the flowchart
  6. Compare it to the ideal process

Interpretation

  • Analyze the flow of events relative to standard practice or the ideal flow
  • Look for duplication of effort or unnecessary wait time
  • Consider the complexity of the process and how it could be simplified
  • Determine whether there is variation in how different people follow the process
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Examples of Flowcharts

Countryside Community Health Board: Checking Immunization Status

Flowchart Example

More Examples

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Further Reading

More Information

Courses and Trainings

Source

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