An integrated approach for prioritized process improvement

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated framework to simultaneously identify and improve healthcare processes that are important from the healthcare provider's and patient's perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified quality function deployment (QFD) chart is introduced to the field of healthcare quality assurance. A healthcare service example is used to demonstrate the utility of the proposed chart.

Findings

The proposed framework is versatile and can be used in a wide variety of healthcare quality improvement contexts, wherein, two different perspectives are needed to be considered for identifying and improving critical healthcare processes.

Practical implications

The modified QFD chart used in conjunction with the stacked Pareto chart will facilitate the identification of key performance metrics from the patient's and the hospital's perspectives. Subsequently, the chief contributory factors at different levels are identified in a very efficient manner.

Originality/value

Healthcare quality improvement professionals will be able to use the proposed modified QFD chart in association with stacked Pareto chart for effective quality assurance.

Citation

Vanteddu, G. and D. McAllister, C. (2014), "An integrated approach for prioritized process improvement", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 27 No. 6, pp. 493-504. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHCQA-05-2013-0051