THE LEAN SIX SIGMA
Optimizing Open Heart
Operating Rooms
One Hospital at a Time
By Ralph E. Jordan, Founder & CEO
What's Lean Six Sigma? It's a long-term business approach to planning and controls to improve productivity and reduce waste - and it combines a great many techniques.
What's old is new again. The management strategies that transformed the manufacturing industry in the 1980s and the total quality management principles that flooded MBA degree programs at business schools through the 90s... all come back now with new fangled spins relevant to 2011 and beyond. So.. so if you're not familiar with the term "lean six sigma"... I guarantee before long you'll be hearing it everywhere now that you're reading about it.
Just this week the AP issued a news release that in a recent Fox News interview, Republican Party candidate Newt Gingrich said Lean Six Sigma can save government over $500 million. Gingrich is just one of the latest politicians to sign up to campaign group Strong America Now's pledge to get politicians to use Lean Six Sigma to improve government operations.
And Lean Six Sigma is getting acclaim in healthcare, too. By employing proven processes, hospitals are able to boost productivity and reduce waste. I read a report by The American Society for Quality that showed 53% of hospitals are employing strategies considered "some level" of Lean deployment.
I like the term "blackbelt" -- a catchy name attributed to those who have certification in six sigma strategies, are able to train others and who spend full time hours engaged in activities that lead to quality improvements. We may not be a blackbelt, but we're also more than the "wax on-wax off" style that Mr. Miyagi taught the Karate Kid before he got his belt. We're no stranger to Lean Six Sigma at Trident Health Resources, Inc. and we believe when it comes to managing open heart programs, a whole lot more goes into the services we provide than putting a perfusionist behind the pump. Our perfusionists are part of a tightly woven team that helps hospitals save costs and operate efficiently.
Link to Full Article & November Issue HERE
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