Improving Healthcare Quality and Cost with Six Sigma

Chapter 4. The Healthcare Opportunity

Sections

Launching the Six Sigma Initiative

Defining Six Sigma Vision and Mission

Successful implementation of Six Sigma must begin with a clear identification of the opportunity for improvement in the healthcare organization. The opportunity could exist in support functions, in interaction with patients, in the operation room or the emergency room, in the supply chain, in regulatory compliance, or in facilities. Application of the Six Sigma methodology must be directly related to improved financial performance. The opportunity analysis leads to specific projects for application of the Six Sigma methodology.

The rapidly rising cost of healthcare and a degrading quality of services have been of concern for ...