Application of Six Sigma methodology to a cataract surgery unit
International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance
ISSN: 0952-6862
Article publication date: 30 September 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The article's aim is to focus on the application of Six Sigma to minimise intraoperative and post-operative complications rates in a Turkish public hospital cataract surgery unit.
Design/methodology/approach
Implementing define-measure-analyse-improve and control (DMAIC) involves process mapping, fishbone diagrams and rigorous data-collection. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), pareto diagrams, control charts and process capability analysis are applied to redress cataract surgery failure root causes.
Findings
Inefficient skills of assistant surgeons and technicians, low quality of IOLs used, wrong IOL placement, unsystematic sterilisation of surgery rooms and devices, and the unprioritising network system are found to be the critical drivers of intraoperative-operative and post-operative complications. Sigma level was increased from 2.60 to 3.75 subsequent to extensive training of assistant surgeons, ophthalmologists and technicians, better quality IOLs, systematic sterilisation and air-filtering, and the implementation of a more sophisticated network system.
Practical implications
This article shows that Six Sigma measurement and process improvement can become the impetus for cataract unit staff to rethink their process and reduce malpractices. Measuring, recording and reporting data regularly helps them to continuously monitor their overall process and deliver safer treatments.
Originality/value
This is the first Six Sigma ophthalmology study in Turkey.
Keywords
Citation
Tolga Taner, M. (2013), "Application of Six Sigma methodology to a cataract surgery unit", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 26 No. 8, pp. 768-785. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-02-2012-0022
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited