How to Improve Healthcare Quality & Cost with Six Sigma

Six Sigma, a customer-driven quality improvement concept developed by Motorola in 1987, emphasizes decision making based on analysis of quantitative data and on cost reduction. Healthcare project teams face pressure to improve quality and cut costs, so they can find considerable benefits in the conceptual structure of Six Sigma. From doctors and nurses to office staff and management, each department has a connection in improving healthcare procedures.

Instructions

• 1

  Create an operational structure for each project to identify and work out problems, whether it involves separate healthcare departments or overall staff support. Assign project leaders called Black Belts and Green Belts. Upper management members will be project owners who are considered Champions.

• 2

  Draft a project proposal outlining the problem needing attention. Include cost-benefit analysis along with time management analysis for the drafted project. Allow management to review the cost analysis to see if it meets the company's budget thresholds. If management accepts the proposal and creates a project schedule, proceed with team assignments headed by either a Black Belt or Green Belt who reports to the Champion.

• 3

  Assemble baseline data and break down project elements into manageable sections. Diagnose the problem. Analyze possible causes and relationships to baseline data. Define the customers' role based on the project type such as personal care within inpatient and outpatient departments, customer inquiries during administrative services and interaction between the staff and customers. Receive customer feedback to further expand upon the problem and receive possible suggestions.

• 4

  Suggest solutions with Green Belts or Black Belts to create possible changes. Begin the process to improve the project to meet expected performance. Apply adjustments when necessary.

• 5

  Develop control systems to maintain the project's improvements. Implement it throughout the staff so that the improvement becomes part of day-to-day operations. Create internal control checklists to review the project's continued process. Address any problems and review recorded data so it remains accurate.