Six Sigma Application in Healthcare Logistics: A Framework and A Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Operations Research
• Quality Improvement Methodologies

Background:

• Six Sigma is widely adopted in industrial sectors but underutilized in healthcare logistics.
• Healthcare logistics requires balancing cost reduction with item performance and criticality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and validate a modified Six Sigma framework for healthcare logistics.
• To demonstrate the applicability of Six Sigma in improving healthcare supply chains.

Main Methods:

• Development of a tailored Six Sigma framework for healthcare logistics.
• Implementation of the framework in a case study at a Jordanian hospital.
• Modification of the Six Sigma 'Define' phase to include item criticality, cost, and performance.

Main Results:

• The adapted Six Sigma methodology proved beneficial for healthcare logistics.
• Project selection modifications effectively addressed healthcare logistics challenges.
• Successful implementation demonstrated the framework's practical value.

Conclusions:

• Six Sigma can be effectively applied to healthcare logistics with appropriate modifications.
• Considering item criticality, cost, and performance enhances Six Sigma's utility in this sector.
• This research opens avenues for further exploration of Six Sigma in healthcare logistics optimization.