January’s Angyaq Quality System word of the month is “Aspiaq.” Aspiaq means “so good” or “good” in Yupik.
In the Angyaq Quality System (AQS), quarterly events are hosted to share and celebrate improvement work at our organization. These events, called Aspiaq, are open to anyone interested in hearing about improvement work and changes happening at YKHC. The purpose is to inspire each other, recognize those making improvements, and celebrate good results.
The next Aspiaq will be held at 8 a.m. on February 22 in the Blueberry Conference Room.
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The goal of the Angyaq Quality System (AQS) is to increase the patient and employee experience by engaging employees in improving quality. Most people agree this is a worthwhile endeavor and can see how the AQS system can help us on our mission: Working together to achieve excellent health.
However, all the new vocabulary around AQS can be daunting. It can sometimes feel like learning a new language.
The reason AQS introduces new language is because AQS systems (based on Lean principles originated by Toyota and widely adopted in healthcare) are different from the traditional ways of doing business. These new words describe processes and events that simply don’t exist outside of an organization embracing Lean principles.
“This new language helps to stimulate the thinking of people and reinforce the change that is happening, challenging the existing paradigms and breaking the status quo,” explains one expert.
Most people will pick up new terms along the way. However, to help, we highlight a new word each month.