[Text on screen: QI Hub Presents: Process Map Part 2 The Ohio State University College of Medicine The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center] [Process Map is shown with columns labeled "Job function" and various shapes connected in a flow chart] Speaker: In this video we will take a closer look at how process maps are built and how to read them. Process maps typically use a set of standard symbols to represent the different types of steps or actions in a process. [Text on screen: Make complex systems easier to: Understand Analyze Improve] These symbols make complex systems easier to understand, analyze, and improve. Here are the most commonly used ones. [Oval is shown] Oval. [Text on screen: Process Map Symbols Represents start or end of a process] This symbol represents the start or end of a process. Every process map should begin and end with an oval to show clear boundaries. [Text on screen: Example: patient arriving at a clinic (start) discharge process being completed (end)] For example, a patient arriving at a clinic or a discharge process being completed. [Rectangle is shown] [Text on screen: Represents actions or task] Rectangle. Rectangles represent actions or tasks, steps where work is being done. [Text on screen: Example: taking vital signs completing a form calling patient back] For example, taking vital signs, completing a form, calling a patient back. [Diamond is shown] [Text on screen: Shows a decision point] Diamond. A diamond shows a decision point. This is a moment where something branches based on a yes, no, or either-or outcome. [Text on screen: Example: "Did patient arrive on time?" "Are labs required?"] For example, did the patient arrive on time or are labs required? [Arrow is shown] Arrow. [Text on screen: Shows a direction and flow of the process] Arrows show the direction and flow of the process, what happens next, and how the steps are connected. [Circle is shown] Circle. [Text on screen: Connects different parts of a process map when space is limited] A circle is often used to connect different parts of a process map when space is limited. It acts like a connector to help keep the map readable if steps are repeated or referenced elsewhere. [Star is shown] Star. [Text on screen: Highlights a point of uncertainty or concern] A star can be used to highlight a point of uncertainty or concern in the process, something that might require further exploration or attention. [Elongated semicircle is shown] Elongated semicircle or D. [Text on screen: Represents a delay in the process] This symbol represents a delay in the process. It's useful when you want to show a wait time or a pause that could be affecting outcomes. [Text on screen: Example: Waiting for labs Waiting for provider availability] For example, waiting for lab results or waiting for provider availability. [Text on screen: Process Map Symbols Create a shared language Visualize what's happening Spot potential issues Ensure all are seeing same system] These symbols create a shared language that teams can use when building or reviewing process maps. They help you visualize what's happening, spot potential issues, and ensure everyone is seeing the same system. [Text on screen: Add color coding or icons] Even if they're coming from different roles or departments, you might also choose to add color coding or icons to highlight key patterns. [Green oval appears with text "Starting point" Red elongated semicircle appears with text "Delays/bottlenecks" Yellow diamond appears with text "Decision points] [Text on screen: Icons for pain points, safety risks, patient involvement"] For example, green for the starting point, red for delays or bottlenecks, yellow for decision points, or icons to indicate pain points, safety risks, or patient involvement. [Process Map is shown] While every process map will look slightly different depending on the workflow being examined, [Shapes and symbols appear] these core symbols are widely used in healthcare and quality improvement work. And remember, your map doesn't need to be perfect or artistic. [Text on screen: Goal is clarity] The goal is clarity, not complexity. [Text on screen: Process Map Use symbols to tell the story Use shared understanding to make process: safer, more efficient, more patient-centered] Use symbols to tell the story of how the work happens and then use that shared understanding to identify where the process can be made safer, more efficient, or more patient centered. [QI Hub Thank you! Scan the QR code for references and resources The Ohio State University College of Medicine The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center] [QR code links to: https://go.osu.edu/qihub]