Modular Assembly
Overview
Modular Assembly is an operating pattern where healthcare organizations build a library of reusable components, patterns, and design standards that local teams can combine to assemble solutions tailored to their specific needs, balancing standardization with flexibility.
Key Principles
- Composable components: Services are built from interchangeable parts
- Design standards: Common patterns ensure consistency and usability
- Local assembly: Teams combine components to solve local needs
- Shared dependency management: Common components are maintained centrally
- Progressive enhancement: Basic capabilities are available to all; advanced customization for specialized needs
Why This Pattern?
One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work in healthcare’s diverse environments, but building everything from scratch in each location creates waste and inconsistency. Modular Assembly lets teams build locally-optimized solutions using standardized components.
Implementation Considerations
- Invest in identifying and building truly reusable components
- Create clear documentation and interfaces for components
- Establish governance for component versioning and updates
- Support teams in learning how to assemble solutions
- Build tools that make assembly easier
- Monitor component usage and retire unused components