Why Six Sigma Will Work In Healthcare Submitted By: Peter Peterka If ever there were an industry where we want zero defects, it’s healthcare. Patients, medical professionals, and healthcare administrators all want mistakes eliminated and quality and efficiency improved. Although most industries have undergone some type of data-supported, systematic, quality-improvement process,

healthcare still has not. Medical and technological advances continue to outpace process and education adjustments. Demand and expectations for medical care are increasing. Inefficiency also leads to(causes, brings about, etc.) overcrowded emergency rooms, customer complaints, and lost revenues.Six Sigma allows a healthcare organization to break through the status quo and achieve real process improvement. Although Six Sigma has its roots in manufacturing,

it works just as effectively in a service industry such as healthcare. Healthcare organizations face unique challenges and it's no secret that they have a harder time applying quality improvement methods. Six Sigma’s comprehensive approach means that its methodology can be successful in healthcare organizations with quick results.In a healthcare organization,


the critical factors in quality and efficiency are flow of information and interaction between people. Transforming the process of this flow yields quality results. Six Sigma achieves documented bottom-line strategic business results by initiating an organization-wide culture shift. Until a process focus–rather than a task focus–is developed, the scope and endurance of improvements will be limited. Analyzing and modifying human performance in these environments is complex,