title: The science of Six Sigma in hospitals.
abstract: Six Sigma applied to hospital processes and services can lead to breakthrough improvements, near-perfect outcomes, and zero defects. It is wise to consider this aspect of quality science as part of an overall Total Quality Management program. Senior leadership support and involvement is critical to the success of this strategy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Applied Business Science and Education, MedCath, Inc., Brentwood, TN, USA. carole.guinane@medcath.com
authors.forename: Carole S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Guinane
authors.forename: Noreen H
authors.initials: NH
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D003625:Data Collection; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006119:Groin / Q000293:injuries; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration; D006739:Hospital Administration / Q000592:standards*; D006740:Hospital Administrators / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008332:Management Quality Circles / Q000458:organization & administration; D019300:Medical Errors / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017146:Models, Organizational; D016011:Normal Distribution; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000592:standards; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D011367:Professional Staff Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration*