H1 N1 Vaccine - Improving Supply & Demand Issues

As noted in our September 9th BLOG posting, work and work processes can sometimes be complex, thus making improvement efforts more difficult and even overwhelming. We used our nation's health care system as an example, and the question posed was, "Why not take a manageable piece [of the problem] and get going on that, rather than trying to address the whole system?"

Another example is the H1 N1 vaccine shortage. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has stated, "...vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus is available; however, initial supplies are limited."

The shortage has caused some people to panic. To manage distribution, The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain, more at-risk groups receive the vaccine before others. They are hoping that the general public will wait until supplies become more plentiful before seeking immunization, thus eliminating or reducing the problems associated with the shortage.

In other words, given the supply and demand problem, they have opted to work on demand. This approach may or may not work, but it is a good example of taking a smaller piece of the problem (i.e., demand) and working on that first.

Have you had similar experiences or success with reducing the scope-of-focus associated with improving complex processes? If so, we look forward to your comments!