Applying Lean Six Sigma to improve medication management.

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• Many veterans utilize healthcare services both within and outside the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
• Managing medications for these dual-care patients presents unique challenges and potential inefficiencies.
• Optimizing medication co-management is crucial for effective veteran healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess compliance with the VHA's dual care policy.
• To map and describe the current process for co-managing medications of dual-care veterans.
• To develop recommendations for an improved medication co-management process using Lean Six Sigma principles.

Main Methods:

• Employed Lean Six Sigma principles at a VHA medical center.
• Utilized process mapping with input from VHA patient care team members.
• Collected data through surveys and direct observation to identify bottlenecks and inform recommendations.

Main Results:

• Identified a significant bottleneck in obtaining non-VHA medical records, leading to prescription delays.
• Developed recommendations centered on four key domains: documentation, veteran education, process redesign, and community provider outreach.
• Highlighted the need for improved coordination in medication management for dual-care veterans.

Conclusions:

• Lean Six Sigma principles were successfully applied to address a specific quality problem in medication management for dual-care veterans.
• Recommendations offer a framework for improving care quality and efficiency within the VHA and potentially other healthcare systems.
• Findings provide valuable insights for VA providers, policymakers, and managers aiming to enhance patient care through process improvement.