scholarly journals An exploratory study into the use of Lean Six Sigma to reduce medication errors in the Norwegian public healthcare context

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 509-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Shirin Charlotte Forthun ◽  
Yaifa Trakulsunti ◽  
Thomas Farrington ◽  
Julie McFarlane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Care Practitioners ◽  
Health Care Context

Purpose Medication errors are a significant cause of injury in Norwegian hospitals. The purpose of this study is to explore how Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been used in the Norwegian public health-care context to reduce medication errors. Design/methodology/approach A mixed method approach was used to gather data from participants working in the four regions served by the Norway health authorities. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 38 health-care practitioners and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 health-care practitioners. Findings The study finds that the implementation of LSS in the Norwegian public health-care context is still in its infancy. This is amidst several challenges faced by Norwegian hospitals such as the lack of top-management support, lack of LSS training and coaching and a lack of awareness around the benefits of LSS in health care. Research limitations/implications Because of the large geographical area, it was difficult to reach participants from all health regions in Norway. However, the study managed to assess the current status of LSS implementation through the participants’ perspectives. This is a fruitful area for future research whereby an action research methodology could be used. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study into the use of LSS methodology in reducing medication errors. In addition, this study is valuable for health-care practitioners and professionals as a guideline to achieve the optimal benefit of LSS implementation to reduce medication errors.

scholarly journals Lean Six Sigma Methodology: The Nub to Boost the Public Healthcare System in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Wael Omran Aly
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Healthcare Service ◽  
Service System ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
The Public ◽  
The People

For many decades, the Egyptian people have suffered from deplorable public healthcare service featured by indolence, malfunction and traditionalism. Although, healthcare is a distinctive service industry concerning various complicated responsibilities; but the consecutive government of Egypt had badly handled such issue. Then, the apathetic performance of the public healthcare service becomes a dilemma for the people of Egypt; especially the poor among them. Therefore, the foundation of an adequate public healthcare service system, that respect the dignity of the people and respond to their arising health care needs; was frequently on the agenda priorities of the Egyptian governments after the 2011 and 2013 uprisings. Hence recently, the government -after reaching political and economic stability- seeks to build an ambitious newly public health care system to meet the expectation of the people to acquire high standard inexpensive and hasty public healthcare services. Consequently, in order to realize such aim; the Egyptian government had established the public agency for accreditation and quality control according to law no.2 of comprehensive healthcare insurance system issued at 2018. Then, it urges a national campaign to reform the public healthcare sector and to develop the efficacy and quality of its services. Hence, this paper aims to propose how the public healthcare organizations in Egypt can tackle various challenges and enhance adequately its capabilities; in order to be able to adopt the proposed Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology effectively; which can then provide an adequate framework for creating organized improvement exertions in healthcare; necessary to bestow guidelines on how to manage a quality service system to patient satisfaction by decreasing waste, variation and work disparity in the service processes.

Ambiguous discursive practices in health-care project plans: a keyword-assisted critical discourse analysis of the term “patient”

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Lunkka ◽  
Pirjo Lukkarila ◽  
Sanna Laulainen ◽  
Marjo Suhonen
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Critical Discourse ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Discursive Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Care Context ◽  
Care Project

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to investigate ambiguous language use in health-care project plans in a manner that accounts for the wider, institutional, public health-care context.Design/methodology/approachThe article deployed a case study approach and drew from Fairclough's critical discourse analysis (CDA) as well as a keyword analysis to investigate two time-sequenced versions of the same project planning document for a health-care project in Finland.FindingsIn the project plans investigated, the study identified patient as a keyword possessing various meanings within the public health-care context. By examining the discursive practices around the keyword patient, the study demonstrated their role in constituting the institutional context as well as the function of this context in constraining these practices.Originality/valueBy looking at the potential of the CDA to investigate discursive practices of the keyword in two sequential versions of a project plan within the broader context of public health care, the study adds to the scant existing literature on critically oriented health-care project communication studies.

Can Lean Six Sigma be used to reduce medication errors in the health-care sector?

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 426-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaifa Trakulsunti ◽  
Jiju Antony
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Success Factors ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Medication Process

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to reduce medication errors, by using four case examples. The paper will also suggest appropriate Lean and Sigma tools to improve the medication process. Design/methodology/approach The authors critically analyze four case examples that used LSS projects, to demonstrate the approach, benefits, success factors and lessons learnt. Findings LSS is a powerful process improvement methodology that could be applied by health-care sectors to reduce medication errors, increase patient safety and reduce operational costs. Common Lean and Six Sigma tools play a significant role in improving and sustaining the medication process. Practical implications It is necessary for the project team to select the most appropriate LSS tools to address medication process problems. Adoption of a LSS roadmap could help health-care organizations in the successful implementation of LSS. Originality/value The paper is valuable for health-care professionals seeking to reduce errors in the medication process or other processes that need to be improved.

The relationships between obesity-increasing risk factors for public health, environmental impacts, and health expenditures worldwide

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 131-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Botti Abbade
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Health Care Cost ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Health Expenditures ◽  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations between obesogenic severity, the public health situation, environmental impacts, and health care expenditures in populations worldwide. Design/methodology/approach This ecological study is based on official data available for approximately 140 countries worldwide. This study defines four main variables: obesogenic severity, environmental impact, public health implications (PHI), and health expenditures, all measured through specific indicators. Data were obtained mainly from the WHO, World Bank, and IDF. The indicators were reduced to the main variables through factorial reduction and multiple regression analyses were used to test the main hypotheses. Findings Obesogenic severity strongly and positively affects environmental impacts (β=0.6578; p<0.001), PHI-1 (cardiovascular risk factor) (β=0.3137; p<0.001) and PHI-2 (blood glucose and diabetes diagnoses) (β=0.3170; p<0.001). Additionally, environmental impacts strongly and positively affect PHI-1 (β=0.4978; p<0.001) but not PHI-2. Thus, results suggest that environmental impact, PHI-1, and PHI-2 strongly affect health expenditures (β=0.3154; p<0.001, β=0.5745; p<0.001, and β=−0.4843; p<0.001, respectively), with PHI-2 negatively affecting the health expenditures. Practical implications This study presents evidence that can aid in decision making regarding public and private efforts to better align budgets and resources as well as predict the needs and expenditures of public health care systems. Originality/value This investigation finds that the main variables addressed are strongly associated at the worldwide level. Thus, these analytical procedures can be used to predict public health and health care cost scenarios at the global level.

Improving logistics supplier selection process using lean six sigma – an action research case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huay Ling Tay ◽  
Hui Sen Aw
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Health Care Company ◽  
Care Company

Purpose Outsourcing logistical activities have become a widely used approach for firms to avoid high fixed costs and heavy investment requirements and to achieve competitive advantages. Lean six sigma (LSS) has been accepted globally across sectors as a management strategy for achieving process excellence. The purpose of this paper is to feature the application of LSS for improving the supplier selection process (SSP) of outsourced logistics services in a multinational health-care company. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an action research case study conducted on the SSP of the freight and distribution department in a multinational health-care company. This paper reports on the application of the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) approach for reducing supplier selection lead time. Findings The study features a real-world case study of the LSS DMAIC application to improve the supplier selection process of a large health-care company. The key issues that were identified are lack of information visibility, top-down changes and unclear communication lines. To counteract these three root causes, the lean six sigma techniques that are implemented are the 5S, stakeholder analysis and standard operating procedure. Research limitations/implications This research provided empirical evidence of how practical challenges in SSP can be managed with the use of LSS. It further proposed plausible solutions for reducing and sustaining improved outcomes. As the study is limited to one case, the validity of the results can be improved by including more organisations and more case studies from other similar organisations. Originality/value Research in supplier selection processes rarely links continuous improvement ideology such as LSS to support strategic selection and procurement of logistics services. This paper could serve as a resource for both practitioners to derive useful implications and to academicians as it contributes to the LSS body of knowledge for further theory testing.

Facilities technology management framework for public health-care institutions in a developing country

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramiro Z. Dela Cruz ◽  
Ruth A. Ortega-Dela Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Management ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Framework ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Care Institutions

Purpose This study aims to develop a Facilities technology management framework for public health-care institutions in a developing country. Design/methodology/approach The study used descriptive research design to identify the specifications of the framework via strategic initiatives anchored on efficiency, sustainability, ecological-friendliness and technological innovation. These measures are wrapped into a facilities TM framework which incorporates concepts and practices on risk management, facility management (FM) and TM. Findings Results of the survey of the public HCIs in the Philippines, show high levels of acceptability of proposed measures which identify the technologies, innovations and materials which are in the viable context of public hospital circumstances in the country. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study are limited to the public HCIs in a developing country, and thus cannot be generalized to other HCIs particularly the private institutions. Practical implications The framework seeks to help improve the operational efficiency and sustainability of public HCIs in a developing country like the Philippines. The discussions on TM revolve around the application of TM approaches. Also, the study incorporates discussions on sustainability, technology innovation and the conformity of these with HCI standards, best practices and government requirements. Social implications The study takes into consideration the identification of FM principles and practices that are deemed suitable and applicable for public HCIs in a developing country. This study is intended to develop a TM framework for FM services which is cost-effective but not sacrificing safety, security, employees and the environment. Then the foremost consideration is the perceived suitability of the framework in the public HCI environment. Originality/value This is an original study. It has as its scope the fusion of FM and TM approaches that would help in the identification of challenges, requirements for manpower, processes and technologies (especially, information and communications technolog-based technologies), and a corresponding TM system framework for public HCI facilities in a developing country.

Modelling of readiness factors for the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in healthcare organizations

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Vaishnavi ◽  
M. Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Health Care Industry ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Interaction Matrix ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Care Organization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Industry ◽  
Expert Opinions

Purpose This paper aims to identify, analyze and categorize the major readiness factors for implementing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in health-care organizations using total interpretive structural modelling technique. The readiness factors are identified would help the managers to recognize the areas that lack and provide importance to the successful implementation of LSS in those areas. The paper further intends to understand the hierarchical interrelationships among the readiness factors identified using dependence and driving power. Design/methodology/approach In total, 16 readiness factors are identified from the literature review and expert opinions are collected from hospitals. The scheduled interview is conducted based on a questionnaire survey in hospitals in the Indian context to identify the relevance of the relations among the readiness factors. The expert opinions are used in the initial reachability matrix and interpretative interaction matrix. Matrix impact cross multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis uses dependence and driving power to understand the hierarchical relationship among the readiness factors identified. Findings The result indicates that customer-oriented and goal management cultures are the key readiness factors for LSS. The execution technique and training are given according to the current demand of customers and goal change of organization. The manager needs to concentrate more on readiness factors to formulate the execution process of LSS for continuous improvement of the health-care organization. The readiness level helps the manager to identify the target area for LSS execution. Research limitations/implications This research focuses mainly on readiness factors for the implementation of LSS in the health-care industry. Practical implications This study would be useful for researchers and practitioners to understand the readiness factors before starting the implementation process of LSS. Originality/value Many research studies are being done on the success and failure rate of implementation of factors. The present study identifies the readiness factors related to LSS, especially for the health-care industry.

Confidentiality and security of information in the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ngoako Solomon Marutha ◽  
Olefhile Mosweu
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Aids Patients ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Hiv Aids

Purpose This study sought to investigate a framework for ensuring the confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa. In most instances, trauma to HIV/AIDS patients accelerate because of their personal information relating to the state of illness leaks to public people. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study used literature to study confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa. Findings The study revealed that confidentiality and security of information has been neglected, in most instances, at the health-care facilities, and this has, to some extent, affected HIV/AIDS patients negatively, leading to trauma, stigma and skipping of treatment by patients resulting in accelerated mortality among chronic patients. The study recommends that patients’ information be always strictly controlled and kept confidential and secured at all the times, especially that of HIV/AIDS patients. Practical implications The proposed framework can be used by health-care facilities to guide the management and promotion of the confidentiality and security of information in the public health-care facilities to curb additional trauma to HIV/AIDS patients in the context of Africa, and even beyond. Originality/value The study provides a framework to ensure the confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb additional trauma to HIV/AIDS patients.

scholarly journals An integrative discourse perspective on positive leadership in public health care

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ville Pietiläinen ◽  
Ilkka Salmi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Social Process ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Role Taking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Leadership ◽  
The Public

Purpose This study aims to take a discursive view on positive leadership (PL). A positive approach has gained momentum in recent years as appropriate leadership practices are implemented in organizations. Despite the turn toward discursive approaches in organization studies, there is insufficient evidence supporting PL as a socially constructed experience. Design/methodology/approach The present study addresses an integrative discourse perspective for capturing the PL concept as a social process within the public health-care context. Findings Four meanings of PL are highlighted: role-taking, servicing, balancing and deciphering. Research limitations/implications The meanings shift the emphasis of certain PL definitions to a contextual interpretation. For scholars, the perspective demonstrates a multidimensional process approach in the desired organizational context as a counterbalance to one unanimously agreed-upon PL definition. Practical implications For leaders, an integrative discourse perspective offers tools for comprehending PL as a process: how to identify, negotiate and reconcile various PL meanings. Originality/value An integrative discourse perspective provides a novel perspective capturing the PL concept within the public health-care field.

scholarly journals Personalized medicine in Brazil: a new paradigm, old problems

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Pavani ◽  
Guilherme Ary Plonski
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Research Method ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
High Income ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Personalized medicine (PM) encompasses a set of procedures, technologies and medications; the term became more prominent from the 2000s onwards and stems from the mapping of the human genome. The purposes of this study were to analyse the development stage of the process of technological innovation for PM and the obstacles that prevent PM from being adopted in the public health system in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach As a research method, this paper opts for a case study carried out at the Hospital das Clínicas, which belongs to São Paulo Medical School. In total, 22 in-depth interviews were carried out at the hospital to identify current practices in PM, future prospects and barriers imposed to the adoption of PM technologies in public health. Findings Personalized or precision medicine is already a reality for a small portion of the Brazilian population and is gradually gaining ground in public health care. One finding is that such changes are occurring in a disjointed manner in an incomplete and under development health innovation system. The analysis pointed out that the obstacles identified in Brazil are the same as those faced by high-income countries such as regulation, lack of clinical studies and need to adapt clinical studies to PM. They appear in all stages of the innovation cycle, from research to widespread use. Research limitations/implications The research method was a case study, so the findings cannot be extrapolated to other contexts. A limited number of professionals were interviewed, their opinions may not reflect those of their organizations. Originality/value There are several studies that discuss how health-care systems in high-income countries could incorporate these new technologies, but only a few focuses on low or middle-income countries such as Brazil.

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