scholarly journals Reducing the Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Rehabilitation Hospital under the Guidance of Lean Six Sigma and DMAIC

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1667
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Cesarelli ◽  
Rita Petrelli ◽  
Carlo Ricciardi ◽  
Giovanni D’Addio ◽  
Orjela Monce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Rehabilitation Hospital ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

The reduction of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is one of the most important issues in the healthcare context for every type of hospital. In three operational units of the Scientific Clinical Institutes Maugeri SpA SB, a rehabilitation hospital in Cassano delle Murge (Italy), some corrective measures were introduced in 2017 to reduce the occurrence of HAIs. Lean Six Sigma was used together with the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) roadmap to analyze both the impact of such measures on HAIs and the length of hospital stay (LOS) in the Rehabilitative Cardiology, Rehabilitative Neurology, Functional Recovery and Rehabilitation units in the Medical Center for Intensive Rehabilitation. The data of 2415 patients were analyzed, considering the phases both before and after the introduction of the measures. The hospital experienced a LOS reduction in both patients with and without HAIs; in particular, Cardiology had the greatest reduction for patients with infections (−7 days). The overall decrease in HAIs in the hospital was 3.44%, going from 169 to 121 cases of infections. The noteworthy decrease in LOS implies an increase in admissions and in the turnover indicator of the hospital, which has a positive impact on the hospital management as well as on costs.

scholarly journals Infection Prevention Performance among Hospital Staff during Vaginal Birth: Results from a Criterion-Based Audit at a Zonal Referral Hospital in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43
Author(s):  
Lærke Vinberg Rasmussen ◽  
Enna Sengoka ◽  
Eusebius Maro ◽  
Godfrey Kisigo ◽  
Vibeke Rasch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Training Session ◽  
Vaginal Birth ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Audit Process ◽  
Knowledge Test ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Labour Ward ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

Background: Healthcare associated infections is a global burden and is one of the main causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality during the time of labour when admitted to the hospital. Healthcare workers´ hands are in most cases the vehicle for transmission of microorganisms from patient to patient.Good hand hygiene practices at the bedside are a simple way of reducing healthcare associated infections. The objective was to assess the impact of a criterion-based audit on infection prevention performance and knowledge during vaginal delivery at a hospital in Tanzania. The quantitative findings were discussed with staff to identify barriers and solutions to quality improvement. Methods: A mixed-method uncontrolled, before and after intervention study by criterion-based audit was performed at the labour ward at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. Criteria for best practice were established together with key staff based on national and international guidelines. Sixty clean procedures during vaginal birth were observed and assessed by a structured checklist based on the audit criteria. Baseline findings were discussed with staff and an intervention performed including a short training and preparation of alcohol-based hand rub. Hereafter another 60 clean procedures were observed, and performance compared to the care before the intervention. Furthermore, a knowledge test was performed before and after the intervention. Results: Hand washing increased significantly after a procedure from 46.7% to 80% (RR=1.71 95% CI; 1.27 to 2.31), the use of alcohol-based hand rub before a procedure from 1.7% to 33.3% (p<0.001), and the use of alcohol-based hand rub after procedure from 0% to 30% (p<0.001). After the intervention the mean score for the knowledge test increased insignificantly from 59.3% to 65.3%, (mean difference = 6.1%, 95% CI; -4.69 to 16.88). Conclusion: The criterion-based audit process identified substandard care for infection prevention at the labour ward. An intervention of discussing baseline findings and a short training session and introducing alcohol-based hand rub resulted in improvements on infection prevention performance.

scholarly journals O Impacto da Monitorização Eletrónica nas Infeções Associadas aos Cuidados de Saúde: O Papel da Plataforma HViTAL

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (11) ◽  
pp. 734
Author(s):  
Rita Fontes De Oliveira ◽  
Lídia Castro ◽  
José Pedro Almeida ◽  
Carlos Alves ◽  
António Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Monitoring ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Upward Trend ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Computerized Records ◽  
Infection Parameters ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: In Portugal, 9.8% of patients admitted were inflicted with healthcare associated infections, corresponding to a prevalence of 11.7%. The Hospital de São João has developed a business intelligence platform able to supervise (the patients), monitor (the clinical condition) and notify (the healthcare personnel): HViTAL. This study aims to assess the impact of electronic monitoring on healthcare associated infections since the year of HViTAL implementation.Material and Methods: We evaluated data since January 2008 (moment from which computerized records exist) until December 2011, comparing them with subsequent data, those corresponding to January 2012 (implementation date of HViTAL) until 19 October 2015.Results: There was an upward trend of infection parameters in the 2008 - 2011 period. Since January 2012 and October 2015, all parameters of the infection indicator showed a negative linear trend.Discussion: The results are very suggestive that the HVITAL may have had an impact on improving parameters associated tohealthcare associated infections. Basic measures of infection control were highlighted since 2005, with an increasing number of health professional awareness campaigns, a fact which, although not analyzed in this report, may also have contributed to the observed improvement. Our study did not include other variables such as investment in human capital.Conclusion: There was a clear improvement in all areas characterizing the healthcare associated infections, with obvious positive impact with the introduction of HViTAL.

Analysis of the role of copper impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns in reducing healthcare-associated infection rates

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gene H Burke ◽  
Jacqueline P Butler
Keyword(s):  
Infection Risk ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
Before And After ◽  
New Construction ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We took in account potentially confounding factors of new construction and Det Norse Veritas Managing Infection Risk (DNV MIR) certification to mitigate risk of HAIs, multi drug resistant organisms (MDRO) and Clostridium difficile HAIs. The study was conducted in the acute care units from three hospitals within a regional healthcare system and these were assessed retrospectively. Facility 1 and Facility 2 shared the circumstance of new construction. Facility 1 and Facility 3 shared the processes of DNV-MIR. Only Facility 1 undertook the intervention of copper-impregnated hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns. We compared infection rates (IR) following their normalization per 10,000 patient hospitalization days before and after complete implementation of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces, bed linens and patient gowns. Facility 1 had a 28% reduction in total C. difficile and MDRO IR, while Facilities 2 and 3 had 103% and 48% increases in total IR respectively. Although the rate changes per facility were not statistically significantly changed from baseline (p>0.05), there was consistent divergence between the IR at the copper enabled facility and the others. As this divergence occurred when other pertinent factors were constant between them, including new construction and new processes for mitigation of infection risks, these outcomes support the contention that copper-impregnated linens and composite hard surfaces were shown to reduce HAI rates.

The application of Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections in surgery departments

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Montella ◽  
Maria Vincenza Di Cicco ◽  
Anna Ferraro ◽  
Piera Centobelli ◽  
Eliana Raiola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Strategic Role of Zakat in Multidimensional Quality of Life in Sijunjung, Indonesia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-72
Author(s):  
Herlin Hamimi ◽  
Abdul Ghafar Ismail ◽  
Muhammad Hasbi Zaenal
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Wealth Distribution ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Status ◽  
Being There ◽  
The Impact

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam which has a function of faith, social and economic functions. Muslims who can pay zakat are required to give at least 2.5 per cent of their wealth. The problem of poverty prevalent in disadvantaged regions because of the difficulty of access to information and communication led to a gap that is so high in wealth and resources. The instrument of zakat provides a paradigm in the achievement of equitable wealth distribution and healthy circulation. Zakat potentially offers a better life and improves the quality of human being. There is a human quality improvement not only in economic terms but also in spiritual terms such as improving religiousity. This study aims to examine the role of zakat to alleviate humanitarian issues in disadvantaged regions such as Sijunjung, one of zakat beneficiaries and impoverished areas in Indonesia. The researcher attempted a Cibest method to capture the impact of zakat beneficiaries before and after becoming a member of Zakat Community Development (ZCD) Program in material and spiritual value. The overall analysis shows that zakat has a positive impact on disadvantaged regions development and enhance the quality of life of the community. There is an improvement in the average of mustahik household incomes after becoming a member of ZCD Program. Cibest model demonstrates that material, spiritual, and absolute poverty index decreased by 10, 5, and 6 per cent. Meanwhile, the welfare index is increased by 21 per cent. These findings have significant implications for developing the quality of life in disadvantaged regions in Sijunjung. Therefore, zakat is one of the instruments to change the status of disadvantaged areas to be equivalent to other areas.

scholarly journals Improving pilot project application and review processes: A novel application of lean six sigma in translational science

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Schmidt ◽  
Laura Aubree Shay ◽  
Can Saygin ◽  
Hung-da Wan ◽  
Karen Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Review Process ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
South Texas ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Research Administration ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Study Section ◽  
The Impact

Each year our Clinical and Translational Science Award pilot projects program awards approximately $500,000 in translational pilot funding to advance health in South Texas. We identified needs to improve the timeliness, transparency, and efficiency of the review process by surveying applicants. Lean six sigma methodologies, following a “Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control” approach, were used to streamline the pilot project application and review by identifying and removing bottlenecks from process flows. We evaluated the impact of our reorganized review process by surveying applicants and reviewers. Process mapping identified pilot project review as the main source of delay, leading to the implementation of a study section-style review mechanism. After one cycle, 90.3% of pilot applicants and 100% of reviewers were highly satisfied with the new processes and time to award notice was reduced by 2 months. All reviewers familiar with both review processes preferred the study section. We demonstrated how lean six sigma, a methodology not commonly applied in research administration, can be used to evaluate processes in translational science in academic health centers. Through our efforts, we were able to improve timeliness, transparency, and efficiency of the review process.

scholarly journals Impact of Healthcare-Associated Infections Connected to Medical Devices—An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2332
Author(s):  
Nitin Chandra Teja Dadi ◽  
Barbora Radochová ◽  
Jarmila Vargová ◽  
Helena Bujdáková
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Care Bundles ◽  
Planktonic Form ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are caused by nosocomial pathogens. HAIs have an immense impact not only on developing countries but also on highly developed parts of world. They are predominantly device-associated infections that are caused by the planktonic form of microorganisms as well as those organized in biofilms. This review elucidates the impact of HAIs, focusing on device-associated infections such as central line-associated bloodstream infection including catheter infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical site infections. The most relevant microorganisms are mentioned in terms of their frequency of infection on medical devices. Standard care bundles, conventional therapy, and novel approaches against device-associated infections are briefly mentioned as well. This review concisely summarizes relevant and up-to-date information on HAIs and HAI-associated microorganisms and also provides a description of several useful approaches for tackling HAIs.

scholarly journals Study on Impact of Lean Six Sigma

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-513
Author(s):  
Koay Boon Hui ◽  
Shahryar Sorooshian
Keyword(s):  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lower Cost ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Global Competition ◽  
Statistical Tools ◽  
Value Stream

This paper purpose is to investigate the benefits of Lean Six Sigma to the Malaysian automotive industry. Lean is an approach that seeks to improve flow in the value stream and eliminate waste. It’s about doing things quickly. Six Sigma uses a powerful framework (DMAIC) and statistical tools to uncover root causes to understand and reduce variation. It’s about doing things right (defect free). As global competition continues to grow, the pressure to improve becomes more andmore intense. Thus, a combination of both Lean and Six Sigma is born. This method provides an over-arching improvement philosophy that incorporates powerful data-driven tools to solve problems and create rapid transformational improvement at lower cost. Thus, this paper also tries to examine how the Lean Six Sigma can contribute and brings a positive impact to the automotive industry in Malaysia.

scholarly journals The financial impact of improved hand hygiene on healthcare-associated infections in the UK

2020 ◽  
pp. 117-122
Author(s):  
Katie-Rose Cawthorne Cawthorne ◽  
Jason Dean ◽  
Richard PD Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Direct Costs ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Financial Assessment ◽  
Paediatric Hospital ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

Background: Though high hand hygiene (HH) levels significantly reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), the current cost of HCAIs and the impact of optimal HH practices on HCAIs are poorly defined. The last NHS England financial assessment was in 2009. Methods: The number of HCAIs per bed per year for NHS England were calculated and average costs were attributed using data from three sources; National Audit Office report, a commercially available calculator, and a financial analysis by a specialist paediatric hospital in England. Improved HH compliance for NHS England was based on a sustained rise in compliance rates from 50 to 80% combined with an HCAI reduction of at least 20%. The cost savings based on such improvements were then calculated. Results: In 2020, it is estimated that the number of HCAIs per bed per year ranges from 3.0 to 9.3, with a midpoint of 5.1. The direct costs of HCAI to NHS England were found to lie between £1.6 and £5 billion. Based on a 20% reduction in HCAI rates, this could lead to cost savings of between £322 million and £1 billion per year. Conclusion: Current direct costs of HCAIs consume approximately 1.3% to 4.1% of NHS England’s annual budget. Improving HH compliance among healthcare workers can lead to significant cost savings. There appears to be a strong financial argument for investment into innovative HH compliance technologies that have been historically perceived as too expensive.

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