Application of Lean Six Sigma tools to minimise length of stay for ophthalmology day case surgery

Abstract

This article presents a process improvement study conducted at a local hospital based on a customised Lean Six Sigma methodology. Specifically, the define, measure, analyse, improve, control (DMAIC) project management methodology and various Lean tools have been utilised to streamline processes and enhance productivity of a hospital's ophthalmology department. Special emphasis is given to day case surgeries based on patients' complaints. Thorough investigations revealed various improvement opportunities at different stages of the day case surgery process, some of which have been adopted by the hospital's top management. The expected improvements revealed an approximate potential reduction of 48% in patients' length of stay at the hospital.