Lessons from Sweden’s first large-scale implementation of Six Sigma in healthcare

Abstract

The Skaraborg Hospital Group (SkaS) has implemented a variety of quality management initiatives in the last 20 years in accordance with its strategy of excelling at quality development to fulfill the needs and expectations of its patients. One such initiative is Six Sigma, which has contributed to more than 40 completed improvement projects. Using an action research approach, this article describes the lessons that were learned from the first 22 Six Sigma projects, completed between 2006 and 2008 and having a success rate of 75%. We further describe how these insights have contributed to other ongoing quality improvement activities at SkaS. In particular, the paper presents some key points not earlier described in other Six Sigma healthcare applications.

Working together for a meaningful daily life for older persons: A participatory and appreciative action and reflection project—The lessons we learned

“…Based on this, the project's research facilitators were encouraged to clarify their own perspective or preunderstanding and write it down. It is also important for research facilitators to share a common view of what participation involves (Ghaye et al, 2008) and that they learn together with the stakeholders, who should be viewed as coresearchers (Lifvergren, Gremyr, Hellstro¨m, Chakhunashvili, & Bergman, 2010).…”

Six Sigma Practices and Organizational Performance in Malaysian Healthcare Industry

“…Coinciding with this, Jenicke et al [8] stipulated that companies in US and other part of world had been successfully implemented SS to improve better quality of products or services. However, recently, Lifvergren et al [2] also recommended implement SS as improvement practices in healthcare development initiatives.…”

“…For example, Lifvergren et al [2] noted that SS is practical concept in enhancing healthcare processes. In regards to that, Ministry of Health Malaysia has adopted SS methodology to improve their quality services [73].…”

“…SS can be applied to almost of healthcare organization such as radiology, nursing, pharmacy and so on as shown in Table 10. Lifvergren et al [2] The succeed in adopted SS in healthcare industry can be seen in the study of Lifvergren et al [2] discover that 75% which is 15 out of 22 projects that have been implemented using the SS practices in Skaraborg Hospital Group (SKaS), Sweden for a period of 3 years (2006-2008) reached their intended goals. Besides, the net cost savings per completed project/year amounts to US$55,300.…”

“…In addition, the communities are very concerned about healthcare and expected good service when obtaining services. In line with the request, the healthcare industry should take initiative to improve their services in order to satisfy customer's needs [2] and reducing operating cost [3].…”