SIX SIGMA FOR HEALTHCARE

A 'Defect' in healthcare service delivery can be fatal to the customer. The customer demands perfection.

The sector is prone to high variation: as a result of variation in expertise of medical staff, nature and quality of facilities, different regulations etc.

These features of the Healthcare sector necessitate the adoption of a management approach which focuses on defect reduction as well as consistency of service. In other words, healthcare needs a Six Sigma approach.

Through the use of the DMAIC or DMADV methodologies, Six Sigma can help impact Healthcare service in the following manner:

Priorities of the Patient

• Improving Service levels: reducing the access time to healthcare for patients, reducing the service time
• Reducing service costs: making healthcare more affordable for patients
• Increasing customer satisfaction: reliable diagnosis, reliable drug prescription and drug administration
• Delivering Predictable, Repeatable, Consistent service: standard operating procedures and guidelines for diagnosis /treatment/monitoring

Priorities of the Administrator & CFO

• Improved Utilization: Such as reduction of use of films in radiology department or paper work in administration department)
• Increased throughput: Such as maximal occupancy rates - For the In patient processes such as Beds & Rooms, Wards, Operation Theatres as well as for the Out Patient - Radiology, Pathology & Pharmacology departments
• Improved Internal Efficiency: Such as optimal reorder levels in pharmacy, cycle times for common procedures
• Repeatable, Predictable, Reliable & Profitable Work Flows: Each hospital need to customize its work flows based on data it collects from its Management Information Systems. This would lead to use of less consumables, improved cycle times and less variability (e.g. diagnosis & follow up procedures for common ailments or conditions; or diagnosis & reporting in radiology department)
• Improvement of MIS systems based to capture work-flow data

For the Shareholders

• Designing new services/ service delivery sub-systems according to customer needs based on feedback from patients & employees and external referring physicians.
• Finding & Tapping new markets based on demographic profiles of patients - streaming in without and with referrals
• Finding the optimal mix and pricing in services offered vis-à-vis competition
• Aiding Research based on demographic studies conducted within

QAI FOR HEALTHCARE

Six Sigma implementation in any industry demands not just a thorough grasp of Six Sigma tools and methodology but also a deep understanding of the industry context. The QAI consulting team offers an ideal combination of healthcare domain expertise as well as wide ranging experience in Six Sigma Training and consulting.

To know more about our Six Sigma services, write to sixsigma@qaiasia.com