Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
Setting Up a Stroke Team Algorithm and Conducting Simulation-based Training in the Emergency Department - A Practical Guide
Published on: January 15, 2017
Restorative Quality Improvement: Novel Application of Six Sigma in a Skilled Nursing Facility
1College of Health and Human Services, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb.
Background:
Six Sigma is a quality improvement (QI) method used in hospitals, but not typically in nursing homes (NHs), to reduce service variability and expenditures.
Local Problem:
The existing QI process for functional maintenance program (FMP) charting/auditing in an urban NH allowed variability and lost revenue.
Methods:
A single-group pre/posttest design with analysis of variance and t-test analysis was used to implement Six Sigma for the FMP process.
Intervention:
Phases of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control addressed performance objectives of FMP capacity; staff retention; congruence between prescribed, performed, and charted FMPs; and month-end summaries of resident status on FMPs.
Results:
With the existing staff, capability was increased by 17 residents ($200 000 revenue) and 90% to 100% charting congruence was achieved. Limited success was attributed to lack of skill diffusion, team communication, manager availability, and project prioritization.
Conclusions:
Six Sigma was moderately successful when applied in a single NH for QI.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Restorative Care
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:27Nursing Clinical Information System
A Nursing Clinical Information System (NCIS) is a specialized type of healthcare information system tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing practice. It incorporates the principles of nursing informatics to streamline information management and improve the quality of care delivery.
Critical attributes of NCIS include:
01:15Introduction to Statistical Process Control
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
01:15Nursing Implementation
The five steps to implementing effective nursing care include reassessing the patient, reviewing and revising the existing nursing care plan, organizing the resources and care delivery, anticipating and preventing complications, and implementing nursing interventions.