Six Sigma: Techniques and Tools to Improve Patient Safety (Audio Conference)

AUDIOCONFERENCE ON TAPE OR CD

sponsored by
Association for Healthcare Accreditation Professionals

presented on February 2, 2007

Six Sigma = Quality Improvement

Human error is at the root of many medical errors. Now facilities just like yours are using Six Sigma methodology to reduce medical errors, improve processes, and get sustained results. Hospitals across the country have implemented Six Sigma and its data-driven approach to identify and eliminate medical errors and improve patient safety. Shouldn’t you join the ranks?

Six Sigma is an industry-tested process improvement method that focuses on eliminating defects by reducing variation. For more than a decade, companies worldwide have practiced Six Sigma to foster excellence by virtually eliminating errors.

During this audioconference, Six Sigma: Techniques and Tools to Improve Patient Safety, we look at what's involved in a Six Sigma program. Purchase this 90-minute program to learn how and where to start using this successful technique in your hospital, as well as ways to overcome the biggest obstacle—implementation.

PROGRAM AGENDA

I.    Six Sigma -- What is it?
         A. Differences between Six Sigma and Lean
         B. Results that can be expected

II.   Is your organization ready to implement Six Sigma?
          A. How to get your organization to "buy in"
               1. Operational/clinical staff 
               2. Executive team

III.  Case studies
          A. Nurse documentation
          B. Eliminating central line related infections in the ICU
          C. Instrument cleanliness in the operating room 

IV.  Sustaining Six Sigma in your organization

Q & A

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Compare differences in Six Sigma and Lean methodologies
2. Recognize whether your organization is ready to implement Six Sigma
3. Explain to staff and leaders how Six Sigma will help your facility
4. Evaluate a process or system for implementation
5. Select your program team

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Frank Pietrantoni, Six Sigma Black Belt has been employed at The Nebraska Medical Center (Clarkson & University Hospital) since 1991. Mr. Pietrantoni started at Clarkson Hospital working in supply distribution and then purchasing. He was promoted to capital purchasing agent where he implemented a “Standards Program” used in the development of six separate satellite clinics. In July 2005, Mr. Pietrantoni accepted the offer to become a Six Sigma Black Belt, and has completed several Work Outs™, a 30 Day Workflow Assessment, a Six Sigma project related to nursing documentation/billing, and is finishing a Six Sigma project for medication administration timeliness. He is also leading teams in the renovation/design of the hospital’s neurosciences floor and the solid organ transplant floor.

Scott Ward, RN, BSN, Six Sigma Black Belt has been employed at the Nebraska Medical Center (Clarkson & University Hospital) for seven years. Mr. Ward began his career as a staff nurse in the adult intensive care unit, specializing in open-heart surgical and kidney/pancreas transplant patients for three and a half years. He was promoted to nursing manager, medical surgical, where he supervised a 51-bed nursing unit for two and a half years. While holding that position, Mr. Ward successfully managed an orthopedic length of stay reduction initiative and was integral in the hospital’s first implementation of a patient safety movement and handling program. Mr. Ward was offered the opportunity to join the Six Sigma department in 2005 and he is currently working full-time as a Black Belt.

Kimberly Fisher, CPHQ, is the process improvement manager at Hunterdon Medical Center, a 178-bed non-profit community hospital in Flemington, NJ. She is in the process of completing coursework to become a Six Sigma Black Belt. During the past year and a half, she has been charged with implementing and sustaining the Six Sigma program and embedding the principles of the methodology into the organization. Prior to her current position, she was the coordinator of the service excellence program and JCAHO endeavors at Hunterdon.

BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED IN YOUR MATERIAL PACKET!

In addition to the expertise and advice presented during this audioconference, you'll also receive a slide presentation of the program materials and tools. These materials are provided with PDF links. In addition to the expertise and advice presented during this audioconference, you'll also receive these free bonus tools:

• Handouts relating to the case studies
• Templates of a team charter, stakeholder analysis, and an FMEA tool

WHO SHOULD LISTEN?

Quality improvement/process improvement professionals; patient safety officers/staff in charge of patient safety measures; quality improvement staff and/or front line-to-senior leadership; any staff who drive performance improvement/process improvement efforts,  including clinical and finance staff, CNOs, and COOs.

Purchase a tape or CD of the program and listen when you can. It's a perfect training tool for new staff or as a refresher for veteran staff.

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