Six Sigma for Healthcare Posts
The histogram, one of the seven quality tools, is very effective in displaying the distribution of data. It’s particularly valuable if there are a large number of observations, as the tool quickly conveys the shape of the data distribution. The histogram visually presents the data of tabulated frequencies as consecutive, non-overlapping rectangular intervals.
Discover how to create and best leverage one of the seven basic quality tools
Finally, the spring season is here, and my family and I have begun planning a road trip for this summer. One of the places we would like to visit is the Yellowstone National Park and we are set on seeing the Old Faithful geyser eruptions. T...
The check sheet (sometimes referred to as a concentration diagram or location plot) is a handy tool for both qualitative and quantitative data gathering and analysis. here's how to make sure you're using it correctly.
Tackle Waste, Inefficiency and Variation in Healthcare Using the Spaghetti Map
Published: 2010-02-09
Published: 2010-02-09
The spaghetti map is a simple Lean Six Sigma visual tool that provides a powerful overview of a process. The pathways taken by people working in the process and the use of supplies when drawn on a paper often resembles cooked spaghetti, hence the name. The spaghetti map helps in quantifying the distances traveled, in addition to helping to surface the bottlenecks, poor layout, workarounds and inefficiencies in the process.
Key Strategic Imperatives for Healthcare for 2010: How We Can Make a Difference
Published: 2010-01-11
Published: 2010-01-11
Healthcare costs in the United States are rising faster than economic growth, making it unaffordable for an increasing proportion of the population. What could a healthcare solution look like?
At the recently concluded 5th IQPC Annual Process Excellence conference in Chicago, several presentations centered on Process Excellence and its impact on the organization. This article provides an overview of Process Excellence and the role of...
Metrics and dashboards play an integral and critical part of process improvement efforts. Metrics complement the Six Sigma methodology by providing vital signs of the effectiveness and the efficiency of the process improvement efforts.Met...
Every organization serves a unique need for the customer. And a key feature that differentiates a successful organization from a not so successful organization is that a successful one listens to what the customer needs and creates products and servi...
Over the past several issues we've discussed the Define, Measure, Analyze and Improve phases in achieving zero retained foreign objects. In this article, we will examine the critical but often overlooked fifth step in the Six Sigma
In this article, we will examine the critical fourth step in the DMAIC process of the Six...
Previously, I discussed the Define and Measure phases of the retained foreign objects project. In this entry I will discuss the Analyze phase of the project.
Defining the Analyze Phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC Model
Th...
In my last column, I discussed the Define phase of the retained foreign objects project. In this entry I will discuss the Measure phase of the project.
Defining the Measure Phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC Model
Some of...
Occasionally after surgery, foreign objects such as instruments, needles (sharps), sponges or other materials, which are referred to as "retained foreign objects," are accidentally left behind. Impaired processes such as poorly performed counts,...
The Project Management Body of Knowledge and Project ScopeThe Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines scope as "the process of developing a detailed project scope statement as the basis for future project decisions," w...
As I was waiting for my oil change, I flipped through a magazine and came across a photo of perfectly baked bread made from scratch. It reminded me of my first experience baking bread, and I realized that process was very similar to the process or im...
Standardization and QualityHow many times have we flown in an airplane knowing who the pilot and co-pilot are? Even without knowing, we are fairly confident that the crew are well trained and will get us to our destination....
The healthcare industry is currently facing challenges on many fronts. Escalating costs for rapidly advancing technology and pressure to deliver quality care to more people (baby boomers, uninsured, under insured) at lower costs have created the perf...
