title: Application of Six Sigma methodology to a diagnostic imaging process.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper aims to apply the Six Sigma methodology to improve workflow by eliminating the causes of failure in the medical imaging department of a private Turkish hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Implementation of the design, measure, analyse, improve and control (DMAIC) improvement cycle, workflow chart, fishbone diagrams and Pareto charts were employed, together with rigorous data collection in the department. The identification of root causes of repeat sessions and delays was followed by failure, mode and effect analysis, hazard analysis and decision tree analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most frequent causes of failure were malfunction of the RIS/PACS system and improper positioning of patients. Subsequent to extensive training of professionals, the sigma level was increased from 3.5 to 4.2.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data were collected over only four months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Six Sigma's data measurement and process improvement methodology is the impetus for health care organisations to rethink their workflow and reduce malpractice. It involves measuring, recording and reporting data on a regular basis. This enables the administration to monitor workflow continuously.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The improvements in the workflow under study, made by determining the failures and potential risks associated with radiologic care, will have a positive impact on society in terms of patient safety. Having eliminated repeat examinations, the risk of being exposed to more radiation was also minimised.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This paper supports the need to apply Six Sigma and present an evaluation of the process in an imaging department.
authors: Department of Health Care Management, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey. mtaner@gyte.edu.tr
authors: Mehmet Tolga
authors: MT
authors: Taner
authors: Bulent
authors: B
authors: Sezen
authors: Kamal M
authors: KM
authors: Atwat
mesh_terms: D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D058996:Quality Improvement / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014421:Turkey; D057188:Workflow