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Chapter 13 - Six Sigma and Lean Management in Healthcare Sectors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2023

Ramalingam Shanmugam
Ramalingam Shanmugam
Affiliation:
Texas State University, San Marcos
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Summary

Six Sigma methods and lean management principles yield high-quality healthcare services to patients in hospitals, clinical, and health agencies. Hence, it is worthwhile to learn, apply, and appreciate them. Six Sigma comprises a rigorous, well-focused, and scientific approach to improve the quality of healthcare operations. Healthcare professionals and patients are equally fond of the Six Sigma methods and lean management principles. The basic Six Sigma concept provides effective incorporation of statistical properties. The approach originated from the so-called Gaussian (normal) frequency pattern. Analysts who desire to apply the Six Sigma methods or lean management principles ought to confirm whether the collected data have Gaussian frequency patterns under their original scale or in a transformed scale.

The variables emerge from a quantitatively measurable attribute of the quality of the sample units. The sample units in this context are patients who receive treatment for an illness or medical professionals who deliver healthcare services to patients. The Six Sigma methods are based on the statistical properties of Gaussian data. Recall from your statistics courses that 99.974% of the standardized Z-values of a measurable attribute/variable fall between −3.0 and 3.0 in their frequency pattern.

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Data-Guided Healthcare Decision Making , pp. 349 - 425
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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Selected References

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