Title: Application of Lean Six Sigma tools to minimise length of stay for ophthalmology day case surgery

Authors: Nabeel Mandahawi, Omar Al-Araidah, Ahmad Boran, Mohammad Khasawneh

Addresses: Industrial Engineering Department, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, 13115, Jordan. ' Industrial Engineering Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. ' Public Health Department, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. ' Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, New York, USA

Abstract: This article presents a process improvement study conducted at a local hospital based on a customised Lean Six Sigma methodology. Specifically, the define, measure, analyse, improve, control (DMAIC) project management methodology and various Lean tools have been utilised to streamline processes and enhance productivity of a hospital|s ophthalmology department. Special emphasis is given to day case surgeries based on patients| complaints. Thorough investigations revealed various improvement opportunities at different stages of the day case surgery process, some of which have been adopted by the hospital|s top management. The expected improvements revealed an approximate potential reduction of 48% in patients| length of stay at the hospital.

Keywords: healthcare quality; lean tools; six sigma; define measure analyse improve control; DMAIC methodology; ophthalmology; hospital length of stay; patient satisfaction; day care surgery.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2011.039716

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2011 Vol.6 No.3, pp.156 - 172

Published online: 15 Apr 2011 *

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