What is it about?
This study looks at how Lean and Six Sigma, two well-known methods for improving efficiency and quality, can help Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments in England’s NHS. Using data on patient numbers, waiting times, and even average monthly temperatures, the research tested whether adopting Lean Six Sigma makes it more likely that hospitals will meet the target of treating patients within four hours. The results show a clear positive impact: hospitals using Lean Six Sigma are more likely to deliver timely care.
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Why is it important?
The NHS is under huge pressure, especially in emergency care, where patient numbers keep rising and performance targets are often missed. Lean Six Sigma offers a way to reduce waste, improve productivity, and ensure patients are treated faster, all without requiring extra funding. This means better care, better use of resources, and less strain on staff.
Perspectives
We wanted to explore whether proven quality improvement methods from industry could be adapted to healthcare, where the stakes are incredibly high. This research shows that Lean Six Sigma is not just about efficiency, but about giving patients quicker, more reliable care. Our hope is that by adopting these approaches more widely, the NHS can ease pressure on A&E departments and improve outcomes for both staff and patients.
Dr Krish Saha
Birmingham City University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Lean Six-Sigma: the means to healing an ailing NHS?, International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, October 2018, Emerald,
DOI: 10.1108/ijqrm-01-2017-0006.
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