Briefcase – Visualizing Flow: Value Stream Mapping (VSM)/ Process Mapping
All forms, tools, and resources to support Value Stream Mapping (VSM)/ Process Mapping are available on this page. Expand the categories below to access the relevant resources.
Please note: Some of the QI Forms and Resources were developed through collaboration with and/or based on materials developed by John Black and Associates.
Value Stream Mapping is a tool that helps teams understand how patients, clients, and residents move through a process. It highlights delays, barriers, and areas that can be improved to provide safe and effective care and services. The information helps leaders make decisions and focus on the most important improvements.
Scoping is the first step in Value Stream Mapping. It helps teams define the purpose of the study, identify the patients, clients, or residents being examined, and set clear start and end points for the process. Scoping ensures everyone has a shared understanding of what will be included, what will not be included, and the goals for the mapping work.
Planning is the stage where teams get ready for the Value Stream Mapping. It includes choosing participants, assigning roles, organizing materials, and preparing schedules and communications. Good planning helps the team stay organized and make the best use of their time during the mapping work.
Implement / Event is the stage where the team collects information and creates the Value Stream Map. Team members observe the process, gather data, and discuss how work is done. This information helps the team identify improvement opportunities and design a future state that improves care and services.
Follow-On is the stage where the team puts improvement plans into action and monitors progress. The current and future state maps are shared with staff, leaders, and others to build awareness and understanding of the changes. Sharing the maps helps create support for improvement and keeps the team focused on achieving the future state.
Process Mapping is a tool that helps teams see the steps in a specific process. It shows how work is done, where problems happen, and where changes can improve the process. The map can be arranged in different ways, depending on its purpose.
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