Six Sigma

Examples

Latino RJ. Six sigma and PROACT RCA. Patient safety: the PROACT root cause analysis approach. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2009. p. 66-70.

Bisgaard S. Solutions to the healthcare quality crisis: cases and examples of lean six sigma in healthcare. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2009.

Roberts L, Johnson C, Shanmugam R, et al. Computer simulation and six-sigma tools applied to process improvement in an emergency department. 17th Annual Society for Health Systems Management Engineering Forum; 2005; Dallas, TX; 2005.

Holst T. Improving first-case OR start times by utilizing six sigma methodologies. 2007 Society for Health Systems Conference; 2007; New Orleans, LA; 2007.

Description

Six sigma is an organizationwide error reduction technique that relies on statistical analysis and extensively trained project leaders called black belts and green belts. Six sigma explains exactly how managers should organize the effort.

Uses

To improve the quality of a process.

To reduce variation in a process.

How do I use this tool?

1. DEFINE the project.

2. MEASURE the current state of the system.

3. ANALYZE to find causes.

4. IMPROVE - create, pilot, implement solutions and then evaluate your results.

5. CONTROL - maintain your gains.

Expertise Required
This tool is an advanced tool and requires formal training or education.
Advantages

Provides quantitative measure of performance changes over time.

Is data driven.

Disadvantages

Can be a significant investment and requires extensive training.

Where can I go to learn more?

Tague N. Mega-tools: Quality management systems. In: O'Mara P, editor. The quality toolbox. 2nd ed. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2005. p. 13-34.

Zidel T. Six sigma. In: O'Mara P, editor. A lean guide to transforming healthcare. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2006. p. 107-14.

Barry R. The manager's guide to six sigma in healthcare: practical tips and tools for improvement. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2005.

Shankar R. Process improvement using six sigma. Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press; 2009.