What factors are contributing to the unexpected 30% rise in treatment times for Insightec's focused ultrasound therapies this month?

Introduction

The unexpected 30% rise in treatment times for Insightec's focused ultrasound therapies this month presents a critical challenge that demands immediate attention. To address this issue, I'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and resolve the root cause while considering both short-term fixes and long-term strategic implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might be a recent change in the treatment protocol. Has there been any update to the standard operating procedures for focused ultrasound therapies in the past month?

Why it matters: Changes in protocols can directly impact treatment times. Expected answer: Yes, there was a minor update to the cooling procedure. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd need to investigate the specific changes and their effects.

• Considering the scale of the increase, I'm wondering about the sample size. How many treatments are we typically performing per month, and has this number remained consistent?

Why it matters: Ensures the 30% increase is statistically significant and not due to small sample size fluctuations. Expected answer: Around 500 treatments per month, consistent with previous months. Impact on approach: If the sample size is small or inconsistent, we'd need to consider natural variability more heavily.

• Given the nature of focused ultrasound therapies, I'm curious about the equipment. Have there been any recent changes or updates to the ultrasound machines or associated software?

Why it matters: Technical changes could directly affect treatment times. Expected answer: No major changes, but a software patch was applied two weeks ago. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd prioritize investigating the impact of the software update.

• Thinking about the human factor, I'm wondering about any changes in staffing or training. Has there been any significant turnover or new hires in the teams administering these treatments?

Why it matters: Changes in personnel or their training could lead to longer treatment times. Expected answer: Normal turnover, but no significant changes in staffing. Impact on approach: If there were changes, we'd focus more on training and onboarding processes.