Application of Lean Six Sigma tools to minimise length of stay for ophthalmology day case surgery. (18th April 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mandahawi, Nabeel; Al-Araidah, Omar; Boran, Ahmad; Khasawneh, Mohammad
• Is Part Of: International journal of six sigma and competitive advantage. Volume 6:Number 3(2011)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 172
• Publication Date: 2011-04-18
• Subjects: healthcare quality -- lean tools -- six sigma -- define measure analyse improve control -- DMAIC methodology -- ophthalmology -- hospital length of stay -- patient satisfaction -- day care surgery; Six sigma (Quality control standard) -- Periodicals; Quality control -- Periodicals; 658.4013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-2494

Abstract

This article presents a process improvement study conducted at a local hospital based on a customised Lean Six Sigma methodology. Specifically, the define, measure, analyse, improve, control (DMAIC) project management methodology and various Lean tools have been utilised to streamline processes and enhance productivity of a hospital's ophthalmology department. Special emphasis is given to day case surgeries based on patients' complaints. Thorough investigations revealed various improvement opportunities at different stages of the day case surgery process, some of which have been adopted by the hospital's top management. The expected improvements revealed an approximate potential reduction of 48% in patients' length of stay at the hospital.