Six sigma: A plan for improving hospital discharge process

Abstract

The coming years will bring changes and further improvements over the World, Six Sigma has an important place in the field of continuous improvement. Six Sigma means a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process. The aim of the study was improving the hospital discharge process through developed plan using Six Sigma. The study conducted at the El Galaa Family Military Hospital by using pre experimental design, it was conducted at inpatient units, and it involved 240 patients and eight team members as a multidisciplinary health team. Data collection tools used in the study was structured questionnaire sheet and three quality tools, namely; Pareto chart, cause and effect diagram and matrix charts. The study findings revealed increase patient satisfaction level about the discharge process after implementing a developed plan for improvement. The study showed a highly statistically significant difference (p<0.01) of patient satisfaction level through comparison regarding pre and post implementation of a developed plan by using DMAIC methodology to improve discharge process. In conclusion, a plan for improving discharge process which developed and implemented by six sigma methodology, its applicability was shown through remarkable patient satisfaction. It recommended applying six sigma methodologies in different processes related to patient care for improving quality of care with training of different health care staff in its implementation. Otherwise, Patient satisfaction should be concerned in the quality measurements of the organization services