Breakthrough Performance Tools
Six Sigma, Lean Methodology & Do-It-Groups
Thibodaux Regional has demonstrated commitment to the triple aim by allocating
two full-time LeanSigma Black Belts to organize, lead, serve as resource
for teams, and continuously monitor results of all process improvement
projects. Successful implementation and continuous deployment of Six Sigma,
Lean, DIG projects, and Care Transformation projects have been instrumental
in transforming our culture. Through these process improvement initiatives,
Thibodaux Regional has been able to produce outstanding results in improving
the quality of care, reducing the cost of care and maintaining an excellent
patient experience for patients across the continuum of services we offer.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma is a process improvement methodology employing statistical analysis
of data in order to identify and reduce significant variation in a process.
This leads to a reduction in overall defects before the finished product
ever reaches our customers. This methodology is used to address high priority
issues related to delivering quality patient care.
Lean Methodology
Lean is a process improvement strategy to solve problems or improve current
performance in a concise, efficient manner following a systematic, structured
approach. It identifies and eliminates non-value added activities in the
patient care process, enabling quality care to flow more effectively.
The typical lean event occurs over a span of 5 days. After two to three
days of observation, data gathering and brainstorming, the team implements
solutions by day four and measures the success on day five.
Do-It-Groups (DIGs)
DIGs were originally designed to resolve staff issues quickly and effectively,
but our new DIGs are now guided by trained facilitators from our staff
to enhance the process and gain more significant results. The framework
is designed for quickly resolving problems and taking advantage of opportunities
within a 30 day period. This methodology has proven itself to be a great
compliment to Six Sigma and Lean Methodologies by identifying other issues
needing alternate improvement efforts.
Care Transformation
Care Transformation is a physician led process improvement initiative dedicated
to using data to improve the triple aim goals of improving quality, decreasing
cost and maintaining an excellent patient experience. Using the three
systems approach to performance improvement, each physician led team utilizes
adaptive leadership to adopt best practices resulting in improvements
in the goals of the triple aim.
Physician engagement has been the catalyst for the success of Care Transformation.
Currently, 45 physicians are actively involved in Care Transformation Teams.