Improving the Hospital Discharge Process with Six Sigma Methods
Improving the Hospital Discharge Process with Six Sigma Methods
- Publication:
- Quality Engineering
- Date:
- January 2010
- Issue:
- Volume 22 Issue 1
- Pages:
- pp. 13-20
- Author(s):
- Allen, Theodore T., Tseng, Shih-Hsien, Swanson, Kerry, McClay, Mary Ann
- Organization(s):
- Industrial & Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University, St. Mary’s Janesville Hospital, Sagata Ltd.
Abstract
[This abstract is based on the authors' abstract.]A case study describes how a community hospital applied a Six Sigma define, measure, analyze, and control approach to improve patient discharge. The team used statistical process control charting, process mapping, Pareto charting, and cause-and-effect matrices in the decision-making process. Results showed the greatest impact could be achieved by focusing on physicians’ discharge order-writing. In addition to improved discharge time rates, missing chart data was reduced by 63%.