Applying lean Six Sigma to reduce linen loss in an acute care hospital

Lean six Sigma to reduce blood wastage.

Applying Lean Six Sigma for innovative change to the post-anesthesia care unit.

Many healthcare organizations are building or renovating patient care facilities. Using Lean Six Sigma methods, nurse leaders can eliminate unnecessary waste and improve work and patient care environments. Starting with a key department like the post-anesthesia care unit is a good way to expose staff and leaders to the potential of Lean.

Lean Six Sigma Terminology

Affinity Diagram – A tool used to organize and present large amounts of data (ideas, issues, solutions, problems) into logical categories based on user perceived relationships and conceptual frame working. Often used in the form of “sticky notes” sent up to the front of the room in brainstorming exercises, and then grouped by facilitator and workers. Final diagram shows relationship between the...

Using lean six sigma to improve throughput efficiency at tertiary care eye hospital

Objective: To determine the impact of Lean Sigma (LS) on waiting time of patients at different stations of outpatient department (OPD), pre-surgical area and operation room (OR). Methods: In this prospective quality study Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC) model of lean sigma was used for improvement. Lead time of patients during measure phase of DMAIC was assessed using time...

Lean six sigma in healthcare.

Healthcare, as with any other service operation, requires systematic innovation efforts to remain competitive, cost efficient, and up-to-date. This article outlines a methodology and presents examples to illustrate how principles of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma can be combined to provide an effective framework for producing systematic innovation efforts in healthcare. Controlling healthcare cost...