Application of Lean Sigma to the Audiology Clinic at a Large Academic Center.

Application of Lean Sigma to the Audiology Clinic at a Large Academic Center.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 Feb 9;

Authors: Huddle MG, Tirabassi A, Turner L, Lee E, Ries K, Lin SY

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To apply Lean Sigma-a quality improvement strategy to eliminate waste and reduce variation and defects-to improve audiology scheduling and utilization in a large tertiary care referral center. The project goals included an increase in utilization rates of audiology block time and a reduction in appointment lead time.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective quality improvement study.
SETTING: Academic tertiary care center.
SUBJECTS: All patients scheduling audiology clinic visits July 2013 to July 2014.
METHODS: Value stream mapping was performed for the audiology scheduling process, and wasteful steps were identified for elimination. Interventions included a 2-week block release, audiology template revision, and reduction of underutilized blocks. Schedule utilization and lead time for new patient diagnostic audiogram were measured for 5 months postintervention and compared with 5 months preintervention. Overall, 2995 preintervention and 3714 postintervention booked appointments were analyzed.
RESULTS: Block utilization increased from 77% to 90% after intervention (P < .0001). Utilization of joint-with-provider visits increased from 39% to 67% (P < .0001). Booked appointments increased from 2995 to 3714, with joint-with-provider booked appointments increasing from 317 to 1193. Appointment lead time averaged 24 days postintervention, compared with 29 days preintervention (P = .06). Average monthly relative value units measured 13,321 preintervention and 14,778 postintervention (P = .09).
CONCLUSION: Lean Sigma techniques were successfully used to increase appointment block utilization and streamline scheduling practices.

PMID: 26861232 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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