Training Course on Optimizing Patient Care: Lean Six Sigma For Healthcare Improvement Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare
Learning Objectives:
Understand Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Recognize their relevance in healthcare quality improvement.
Subtopics:
Principles of Lean: eliminating waste, streamlining processes
Principles of Six Sigma: reducing variation, improving quality
The synergy of Lean Six Sigma in healthcare
Case examples of Lean Six Sigma in hospitals and clinics
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Reducing surgical delays using Lean Six Sigma
Exercise: Identifying “waste” in a healthcare process flow

Module 2: The DMAIC Framework – Define & Measure
Learning Objectives:
Define problems and measure current performance.
Identify key metrics for healthcare quality.
Subtopics:
Define phase: project charters, problem statements, stakeholder analysis
Measure phase: data collection, process mapping, baseline measurement
Healthcare performance metrics: efficiency, safety, patient satisfaction
Tools: SIPOC diagrams, process flowcharts, measurement system analysis
Case Study / Exercise:
Practical: Creating a SIPOC diagram for an outpatient clinic process
Case: Measuring wait time reduction in emergency departments

Module 3: The DMAIC Framework – Analyze
Learning Objectives:
Analyze data to identify root causes of inefficiencies.
Apply statistical and process analysis tools.
Subtopics:
Root cause analysis and cause-and-effect diagrams
Pareto analysis and prioritization of problems
Statistical tools for healthcare data analysis
Identifying process bottlenecks and variations
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Analyzing infection control processes
Workshop: Performing a root cause analysis using sample healthcare data

Module 4: The DMAIC Framework – Improve
Learning Objectives:
Develop and test solutions for healthcare process improvement.
Apply Lean tools to reduce waste and optimize care delivery.
Subtopics:
Brainstorming and prioritizing solutions
Lean tools: 5S, standard work, visual management, Kaizen events
Piloting improvements and evaluating results
Change management strategies for healthcare teams
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Applying Lean tools to improve medication administration safety
Group Activity: Designing an improvement plan for a patient discharge process

Module 5: The DMAIC Framework – Control & Sustaining Improvement
Learning Objectives:
Establish control mechanisms for sustained improvement.
Build a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare organizations.
Subtopics:
Control charts and monitoring systems
Sustaining gains: standardization, documentation, accountability
Embedding Lean Six Sigma in healthcare governance structures
Training staff and scaling improvements across departments
Case Study / Exercise:
Case: Long-term sustainability of Lean Six Sigma in a hospital network
Capstone Project: Designing a Lean Six Sigma improvement project for participants’ institution