JBJS Reviews. 4(8):, AUG 2016
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.15.00094
,
PMID: 27603270
Issn Print: 2329-9185
Publication Date: 2016/08/01
The Science of Quality Improvement
Steven Girdler;Christopher Glezos;Timothy Link;Alok Sharan;
+ Author Information
1Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY2Arlington, VA
Abstract
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.
