The Utilization of Lean Six Sigma Methodologies in Enhancing Surgical Pathways and Surgical Rehabilitation

Author:

Teeling Seán Paul123ORCID,McGuirk Michelle2,McNamara Martin1ORCID,McGroarty Marie2,Igoe Aileen2

Affiliation:

1. UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education & Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, UCD Health Sciences Centre, D04 VIW8 Dublin, Ireland

2. Mater Lean Academy, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, D07 AX57 Dublin, Ireland

3. Centre for Person-Centered Practice Research Division of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University Drive, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh EH21 6UU, UK

Abstract

The authors offer their perspective on the application of Lean Six Sigma methodology to surgical pathways, from referral to post-operative rehabilitation, and how it has resulted in sustainable improvements in patient outcomes, and patient and staff satisfaction. The origin of Lean Six Sigma is described before considering its application to improving scheduled surgical care. The concept of ‘flow’, and its relevance to pre-, intra-, and post-operative care, is discussed as well as the role of Lean Six Sigma in supporting innovation and in promoting an organizational culture that promotes openness to new ideas. The elements of the methodology that render it especially suitable for the redesign of surgical pathways include eliciting the customer voice, co-design, enabling system awareness and inculcating a continuous improvement mindset. The necessary conditions for the successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma initiatives include managerial support, high-quality education and training, and alignment with organizational strategy. Future directions for practice and research are discussed before presenting a key finding from the literature and from the authors’ collective experience: Lean Six Sigma initiatives will not lead to sustainable improvements where the key elements of the methodology are not recognized and enacted, and where the necessary conditions are absent.

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes,Computer Science Applications,Process Chemistry and Technology,General Engineering,Instrumentation,General Materials Science

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