INR Features

Paul Pietzch's March 2004 article in the Iowa Nurse Reporter, "Applying LEAN in Iowa's Health Industry…" discussed increasing costs, costs of poor quality and the Institute of Medicine's reports about healthcare and threatened patient safety. Pietzch's article states, applying LEAN techniques in healthcare organizations will result in "gains in efficiency, quality of care and reduce waste and cost." With limited resources in healthcare, it is vital to work smarter, not harder.

Like LEAN, Six Sigma follows this philosophy. Six Sigma, a performance improvement methodology, enhances customer focus and has proven to be advantageous. Six Sigma uses statistics to analyze a process and its ability to meet customer expectations. Using evidence-based decisions, it drives and sustains positive culture change. It also provides a common organizational language and tools for quality improvements. Applying the DMAIC model allows teams to identify and eliminate defects: Define the problem, Measure the current process, Analyze data to determine root causes, Improve with targeted solutions and possible utilization of LEAN techniques, and Control the improved process. "Sigma" is the statistical term for standard deviation and measures the variation in a process. Higher Sigma levels mean less defects occur. Achieving Six Sigma results in 3.4 defects per million opportunities.

Utilizing the Six Sigma philosophy, corporate leaders must invest in manpower to train dedicated fulltime staff to lead projects and allow front-line staff to participate. Six Sigma helps the workforce increase its knowledge base, develop new skills, problem-solve and improve inefficient behavior. The organization becomes more fiscally efficient and has quick project turn-around.

Maintaining Six Sigma provides documented return of investment. As a part of the organizational culture, it creates the ability to continuously strive for perfection. Mercy Medical Center-Des Moines has implemented Six Sigma as part of its commitment to continuous improvement. The ultimate impact is improving patient care. Other healthcare organizations should follow Mercy's lead and help positively impact the nation's healthcare industry.

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