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The usefulness of lean six sigma to the development of a clinical pathway for hip fractures
Author(s) -
Niemeijer Gerard C.,
Flikweert Elvira,
Trip Albert,
Does Ronald J. M. M.,
Ahaus Kees T. B.,
Boot Anja F.,
Wendt Klaus W.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of evaluation in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.737
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2753
pISSN - 1356-1294
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2753.2012.01875.x
Subject(s) - lean six sigma , medicine , six sigma , multidisciplinary approach , psychological intervention , clinical pathway , hip fracture , quality management , clinical trial , physical therapy , lean manufacturing , operations management , nursing , osteoporosis , engineering , social science , management system , sociology
Aims and objectives The objective of this study was to show the usefulness of lean six sigma ( LSS ) for the development of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway. Methods A single centre, both retrospective and prospective, non‐randomized controlled study design was used to identify the variables of a prolonged length of stay ( LOS ) for hip fractures in the elderly and to measure the effect of the process improvements – with the aim of improving efficiency of care and reducing the LOS . Results The project identified several variables influencing LOS , and interventions were designed to improve the process of care. Significant results were achieved by reducing both the average LOS by 4.2 days (−31%) and the average duration of surgery by 57 minutes (−36%). The average LOS of patients discharged to a nursing home reduced by 4.4 days. Conclusion The findings of this study show a successful application of LSS methodology within the development of a clinical pathway. Further research is needed to explore the effect of the use of LSS methodology at clinical outcome and quality of life.