With the aging population increasing, we are starting to see the rise of chronic diseases. On a positive note, our older population is educating themselves on high-quality medical care and following a healthier lifestyle. On the downside, this puts added pressure on the already failing healthcare system. Implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies could significantly improve […]
Many business processes are often analyzed with suspicious data, if such data are not of quality, can lead us to erroneous decisions that distract the organization from the expected results even when the greatest effort is being made on the data collected, in this order of ideas, It is vital to eliminate activities that do […]
Six Sigma is a scientific and statistical approach which aims on reduction of variation in a specific process. In order to reduce variation and improve any process, it is essential to have correct, standardized, unbiased, objective measurement of the existing system. If this standardized measurement system cannot be provided, all the data collected will be […]
Let’s look at Measurement System Analysis, and how it fits into continuous process improvements for a business. Since measurements and the collection of data are important to continuous improvement programs, we should have an interest in Measurement System Analysis. We use measurements to guide our decision on improvements and should be interested in the errors […]
The 5 Whys tool is used to determine the root cause of an issue. In the infographic above, we have taken a simple everyday problem of bird waste inside the dogs’ kennels at an animal shelter. The problem is simple enough, but if this doesn’t get dealt with, it can lead to more serious issues. […]
The United States has spent more than a decade trying to improve the quality of outpatient healthcare delivery. The industry has tried various initiatives to address the quality of care and the inherent value of services to patients, without significant improvement. They have addressed the issues of unnecessary procedures and implemented alternative payments models to […]
Can quality improvement be found through the EHR? Recent studies are showing that EHR can uncover hidden data overlooked in existing Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The FMEA tool is used as a systematic, step-by-step approach to identify and understand all possible failures in a process. The FMEA tool then can be used to […]
Across the broad practice of Lean, Six Sigma and Quality, there are many experts. All have various levels of knowledge and experience that create a certain value in their practice. Some of the leading experts have truly exemplified themselves in the practice. Years of education, hard work and diligent devotion to mastery of their craft […]
2016 is here and training is in full swing at 6Sigma.us. We spent the last part of 2015 planning dynamic training agendas, with a global reach! With that in mind, we would like to invite you to join us in sunny Southern California for a comprehensive Six Sigma training event. During this event, we will […]
There once was a well-established hospital in a suburban community. Try, try, and try they did to reduce costs and improve quality. With each effort, they failed and the frustration grew. Executives, after exhausting all options, finally implemented a Six Sigma program. Leaders were excited for their community hospital, eagerly anticipating the potential windfall of […]
Six Sigma continues to inject health into the healthcare system. More than ever, hospitals are seeing the need to engage with a Six Sigma program. These programs are providing significant improvements in quality and reductions in operating costs. Of course, the best results from a healthcare perspective have been improvements in patient satisfaction. The problem […]
A dozen people gather for their early morning meeting. The noise of the hustle and bustle of the normal hospital operations fade as the door closes and they settle in to the task at hand. The gathered group represents all specialties of service within the hospital (nurses, nursing assistants, housekeepers, and maintenance and support staff). […]
Lean Six Sigma is becoming an integral part of the changing face of hospital pharmaceuticals. With the ever changing environment in healthcare, hospitals are changing the way pharmaceuticals are managed and dispensed. Small satellites locations are disappearing in favor of centralized locations, giving the industry the strength in leveraging clinical pharmacists’ expertise. With that process, […]
At one point about 20 years ago, there were no books, conferences or curriculum dedicated to Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare. Now, the tools abound and seem to be flourishing. We are now seeing that the methodology is alive and well in healthcare, which is a significant change from when it was first introduced two […]
