Rethinking Efficiency: From Buzzword to Foundation

The word efficiency has taken on new connotations in recent months—not all of them positive or desirable. For decades, I have built my work ethos around the principle of efficiency. However, recent developments have led me to pause and re-evaluate what the word truly means and consider the essential building blocks required to achieve it.

Efficiency can be defined as “the ability to achieve an end goal with little to no waste, effort, or energy”. The opposite of efficiency may be reminiscent of the Red Queen’s kingdom in Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking-Glass:  “In my kingdom, you have to run as fast as you can just to stay in the same place”.

But how does a system or process achieve a high level of efficiency? It is based on a deliberate framework of key building blocks put in place to achieve the desired outcome, while minimizing waste. These building blocks include:

1. Fit-for-purpose individuals: Having qualified, trained people equipped for the tasks they need to perform.

2. Optimized processes: Improving resource utilization by structuring workflows thoughtfully, such as performing tasks in parallel.

3. Continual feedback and improvement: Routinely evaluating outcomes and making adjustments to refine quality over time.

The ongoing need for efficiency is evident in the clinical trial space, where time is limited, and resources are finite. Further, these building blocks embody the principles of Good Clinical Practice. Despite this, efficiency is often not realized in clinical trial execution. When this is the case, reassessing these building blocks may be the key to improvement. For example:

·       Is training adequate for all parties?

·       Have redundancies in reporting crept into the workflow?

·       Do processes need to be reviewed and optimized for greater effectiveness?

·       Is stakeholder feedback actively collected to identify areas for improvement?

Efficiency isn't just a buzzword or a shortcut—it’s an intentional process built on solid foundations. By ensuring the right people are in place, optimizing workflows, and prioritizing continual improvement, true efficiency can be achieved without compromising quality. Taking the time to focus on these elements can result in resource optimization and, ultimately, a better final outcome.