Title: Implementation of lean practices to reduce healthcare associated infections

Authors: Anna Ferraro; Piera Centobelli; Roberto Cerchione; Maria Vincenza Di Cicco; Emma Montella; Eliana Raiola; Maria Triassi; Giovanni Improta

Addresses: Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy ' Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, P.le Tecchio 80, 80125, Naples, Italy ' Department of Engineering, University of Naples Parthenope, Centro Direzionale di Napoli, Isola C4, 80143, Naples, Italy ' Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy ' Department of Hygiene, Preventive and Industrial Medicine, University Hospital (A.O.U.) 'Federico II' of Naples, Naples, 80138, Italy ' Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy ' Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy; Interdepartmental Center for Research in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy ' Department of Public Health, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy; Interdepartmental Center for Research in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy

Abstract: In this paper, Lean and Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies have been used to define, measure, analyse, improve, and control the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections affecting patients' safety at the adult Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital 'Federico II'. The first (01/01/2014-28/02/2015) and second data collection campaign (01/03/2015-28/02/2016) involved 144 and 154 patients, respectively. The results show that Acinetobacter baumannii is the dominant bacterium and a positive correlation exists between the number of colonized patients and the number of healthcare procedures the patients undergo. The different parameters influencing the process and the distribution of the sentinel bacterium have been also identified.

Keywords: DMAIC; define; measure; analyse; improve and control; healthcare-associated infections; lean thinking; lean management; quality improvement; Six Sigma; Lean Six Sigma; public health.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHTM.2020.116783

International Journal of Healthcare Technology and Management, 2020 Vol.18 No.1/2, pp.51 - 72

Accepted: 13 Nov 2020
Published online: 02 Aug 2021 *

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