LEAN SIX SIGMA TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE OPHTHALMOLOGY CLINIC EFFICIENCY.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Process Improvement
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Elderly populations require complex outpatient care, leading to extended patient visit times.
• Prolonged patient flow times negatively impact healthcare quality, satisfaction, and efficiency.
• Identifying and reducing waste in clinical processes is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease patient flow time in a vitreoretinal practice using Lean Six Sigma.
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of process improvement in healthcare settings.
• To enhance patient and employee satisfaction by optimizing clinic operations.

Main Methods:

• Process flow mapping identified common patient care pathways.
• Electronic medical record data tracked patient task times over three months.
• Care pathways with high time consumption and variation were modified, followed by a six-week assessment.

Main Results:

• Patient flow was redesigned to minimize waiting room time and optimize staffing.
• Mean patient flow time decreased by a statistically significant 18%.
• Standard deviation of patient flow time reduced by 4.6%, with improved patient and employee satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Lean Six Sigma techniques are applicable to improving outpatient clinic efficiency.
• Process improvement can significantly reduce waste and enhance satisfaction in healthcare.
• Implementing manufacturing industry methodologies can optimize patient care pathways.