Flowchart

Mojdeh Amini, HCI Class 2021

Sheryn Shahwan-Solorzano, NEL Class 2022
HCIN 559 Management HSC Outcome & Patient Safety
December 2020
 Background: History

• Developed in 1921 by industrial engineers

Frank and Lilian Gilbreth
• In 1940s, Spinanger and Graham spread the
use more widely
• In 1947, American Society of Mechanical
Engineers adopted a symbol system for Flow
Process Charts derived from Gilbreth’s
original work
• Used for programming and algorithms
Frank Bunker Gilbreth (1868-1924)
Lillian Evelyn Moller Gilbreth (1878-1972)
Terms and Acronyms

• A Flowchart or diagram presents a logical and/or

chronological sequence of a workflow or process.

• Symbols are the graphical elements of the

flowcharts

• Common alternative names for Flowchart:

Process map, process chart, process model,
process flow diagram, and flow diagram.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-
SA-NC
Flowchart: A Visualization and Quality
Improvement Tool

Benefits
-It is a quality tool for analyzing
and mapping of a process
-Visualizes separate steps of a
process in sequential orders
-Develops understanding of how
.
a process is done
--Promotes documentation
-Reveals gaps and opportunities
for improvement
Limitations
-When a process is complex
-Requires software like Word,
Excel, or Visio to create symbols
-In case of changes in a process
often needs to redraw the entire
flowchart.
Types of Flowcharts

• Basic Flowchart
• Audit Diagram
• System Flowchart
• Workflow Diagram
• Data Flow Diagram
• Swimlane Flowchart
• Business Process Model
• Cross-Functional Flowchart
• Flowchart for computer programming
• Specification and Description Language
(SDL) Diagram

https://www.conceptdraw.com/examples/data-flow-diagram-for-health-care-system
Building the Blocks: Using Common Symbols
Symbols Description Symbols Description

Terminal point for starting and ending Represents a step that results in a document.
points of a process.
Represents a step of the process. Use this shape for a step that results in
information being stored.

When the outcome of a decision Indicates that information is coming into the
requires the next step by yes and no. process from outside or leaving the process.

It is sub-process on the same or Links to the next or previous step of a

another page of the same drawing. flowchart. It is particularly useful for large
flowcharts.
Input/Output data When there is more than one page or a
complex process present

Indicates delay or wait in the process. Connector Indicates the flow of data.
Technical Recommendation

• Considering audience
• Uniformizing the symbols
• Using correct color coding
• Defining limitations and boundaries
• Defining the process to be diagrammed
• Displaying the process in proper sequence
• Determining alternate paths and decisions
• Brainstorming and engaging all the stakeholders
Example
References:

• ConceptDraw Solutions. (2020). SDL Flowchart Symbols. Retrieved from

https://www.conceptdraw.com/How-To-Guide/sdl-flowchart-symbols
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2020). Flowchart.
http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/Flowchart.aspx
• Lucidchart. (2020). What is a Flowchart. https://www.lucidchart.com/pages/what-is-a-
flowchart-tutorial
• NSW Government. (n.d.) Flow Charts. https://www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au/Quality-
Improvement-Academy/quality-improvement-tools/flow-charts
Q&A