Creating a development force in Swedish healthcare

Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review on Challenges, Organisational Readiness and Critical Success Factors

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been applied in many healthcare organisations, but there has been limited research on the evolution of LSS application in healthcare. This paper aims to present the challenges, critical success factors (CSFs), readiness factors and most common tools and techniques used for LSS deployment in healthcare. A systematic literature review (SLR) was utilised to research the study objectives. Peer-reviewed literature over a 16-year period was studied to understand the deliverables of LSS. The SLR process identified relevant articles and screened a final selection for those under study. The systematic literature review helped the authors to identify the challenges and tools/techniques used for LSS in healthcare. Several CSFs and readiness factors for LSS deployment in healthcare are also presented. This work informs healthcare managers and professionals on the important factors for successful LSS deployment before embarking on the LSS journey. In addition, this work is a valuable resource for healthcare LSS practitioners and academic researchers to learn about, investigate and deploy LSS in the healthcare sector. This study is one of the most comprehensive SLRs covering the importance and specificity of understanding challenges, CSFs and organisational readiness for LSS in healthcare. This study provides knowledge of the successful deployment of LSS in healthcare.

Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare: A Systematic Literature Review on Motivations and Benefits

While Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been applied extensively in healthcare organisations, there has been limited research on the trends of LSS application in healthcare in recent years. This paper aims to present the key motivations and benefits of LSS in healthcare with a view to highlighting the types of problems that LSS in healthcare can aid in solving. The authors used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to achieving the article’s purpose. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2011 and 2021 are considered to achieve the study objectives. The systematic review helped the authors to identify the evolution, benefits, and motivations for LSS in healthcare. This work includes directions for managers and healthcare professionals in healthcare organisations to embark on a focused LSS journey aligned with the strategic objectives. This study is perhaps one of the most comprehensive SLRs covering a vital agenda of LSS in healthcare. This study provides all the deliverables of LSS for its successful deployment in healthcare.

Lean six sigma and stroke in rural hospital - The case of Baruch Padeh Medical Center

PURPOSE

This case study aims to demonstrate the strengths of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology to improve the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment rates and reduce process lead time at Baruch Padeh Medical Center (BPMC), a rural hospital in the Galilee region of Northern Israel. The LSS project redefined the BPMC stroke care pathway and increased its efficacy.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

The LSS methodology was implemented in September 2017 by integrating lean principles and the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control). Existing procedures, field observation, ad hoc measurement and in-depth interviews were utilized, and the GEMBA method was implemented to identify root cause and improve actions optimizing the stroke pathway.

FINDINGS

The presented case shows the usefulness of the LSS methodology in improving quality performance in a rural hospital. The intervention allowed the BPMC to improve the intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) administration rate (+15.2%), reducing the process lead time. The lead time of door-to-computer tomography decreased from 52 to 26 min, and the door-to-needle time decreased from 94 to 75 min.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

The present case study shows the implementation of the LSS methodology aimed to improve the IV-tPA administration rate and reduce the stroke pathway lead time in a rural hospital. The case demonstrates the potential for the LSS methodology to support the AIS pathway optimization and represents a guide for healthcare organizations located in rural areas.