I have always been concerned about how hospitals run their business, especially how they respond to emergencies or life-threatening situations. So when I read about Six Sigma or Lean being used to improve processes in hospitals or healthcare, I am happy.
BayCare Health System is a case in point. When Baycare started Six Sigma, it was Black Belt Angi Jennings’s first project. The goal was to reduce patients’ ventilator days and length of stay in ICUs. Using DMAIC, SIPOC, ANOVA, and other tools, Baycare was able to achieve its goals.
Here’s a summary:
Business Problem: High number of ventilator days for ICU patients
Methodology: DMAIC
Solution: Interdisciplinary rounding and standard weaning protocols
Benefits/Results:
- Savings of $650,000 annually
- Ventilator days reduced by 38%
- ICU LOS reduced by 23% for vented patients
- Reduction in ventilator related complications
- Improved teamwork and communication among care providers
Source:
BMG: Breakthrough Management Group
