What does "cycle time" refer to in process improvement?

Cycle time, in the context of process improvement, specifically refers to the duration it takes to complete a specific process from start to finish. This measurement provides insight into the efficiency of a process, allowing organizations to identify bottlenecks, streamline operations, and ultimately enhance productivity. By focusing on cycle time, teams can assess how quickly a task can be accomplished, which is essential for improving workflows and reducing delays.

The other options describe different aspects of operational metrics but do not capture the essence of what cycle time is. For instance, gathering data can be part of the overall process but does not define the cycle time itself. Total waiting time for patients focuses on a specific aspect of patient flow rather than the cycle duration of a complete process. Finally, time allocated for meetings is unrelated to the cycle time of any processes being measured or improved. Therefore, the definition pertaining to the complete duration of a process accurately encapsulates what cycle time represents in the realm of quality improvement.