The Science of Quality Improvement.
The manufacturing industry has supplied many quality-improvement methodologies that have been successfully utilized in health-care delivery, such as Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles, Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, and Lean. Many tools of quality improvement, such as PDSA cycles and DMAIC (Design-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) of the Six Sigma method, are similar to the scientific method that is familiar to clinicians. Correct identification of the sources and types of process variation within a system is paramount for process improvement. Reduction in process variation via standardization and reinforcement of process protocols leads to improved process outcomes. Quality-improvement projects should define a clear governance structure to maintain project timeliness and completion.
Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Steven J
SJ
Girdler
Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Christopher D
CD
Glezos
Arlington, VA.
Timothy M
TM
Link
Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.
Alok
A
Sharan
D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012586:Science; D017749:Total Quality Management