Title: Determination of Lean and Six Sigma perspectives in Indian healthcare sector: a survey

Authors: Gaurav Suman; Deo Raj Prajapati

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, 160012, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, 160012, India

Abstract: Lean and Six Sigma methodologies are slowly expanding in Indian healthcare sector. The purpose of this study is to investigate various perspectives of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies from Indian healthcare professionals' point of view. The appropriate survey questionnaire is developed and validated from healthcare and academic experts. The survey questionnaires were sent to 454 hospitals throughout India through registered post. The reliability and validity tests were performed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and factor loading respectively. The findings of the study show the drivers and challenges in Lean and Six Sigma implementation, the key performance indicator (KPI), mostly implemented healthcare improvement project, mostly used tools etc. It is found that 'top management support and commitment' is the main driver while applying any quality initiative. Moreover, ' 'patient satisfaction' and 'patient safety' are parameters which best represents the healthcare performance.

Keywords: Lean; Six Sigma; survey; drivers; key performance indicator; KPI; healthcare.

DOI: 10.1504/IJQET.2023.132476

International Journal of Quality Engineering and Technology, 2023 Vol.9 No.3, pp.240 - 257

Accepted: 29 Apr 2023
Published online: 21 Jul 2023 *

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