Quality Improvement Methods

Quality Improvement MethodsShewhart Cycle (PDCA)

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Quality Improvement MethodsShewhart Cycle (PDCA)

It was first proposed by the Walter Shewhart and then later developed by the William Deming. PDCA cycle is an iterative approach that is used for constant improvement in management, manufacturing and other areas. Today it becomes an integral part of team management. It is a simple 4 stage method that helps to improve processes and avoid recurring mistakes ADDIN EN.CITE <EndNote><Cite><Author>Johnson</Author><Year>2016</Year><RecNum>229</RecNum><DisplayText>(Johnson, 2016)</DisplayText><record><rec-number>229</rec-number><foreign-keys><key app="EN" db-id="2s2s0zrapsf0pbe5efuvv20f9rszvx0sd2fe" timestamp="1573038047">229</key></foreign-keys><ref-type name="Journal Article">17</ref-type><contributors><authors><author>Johnson, Corinne N</author></authors></contributors><titles><title>The benefits of PDCA</title><secondary-title>Quality Progress</secondary-title></titles><periodical><full-title>Quality Progress</full-title></periodical><pages>45</pages><volume>49</volume><number>1</number><dates><year>2016</year></dates><isbn>0033-524X</isbn><urls></urls></record></Cite></EndNote>(Johnson, 2016).

Plan

In this stage, planning is done. Depending on the project size, planning takes the most important part of the team efforts. The following questions are addressed under this stage what is a core problem? What type of resources are needed? What resources are already available? What is the best solution to fix the problem with already available resources and what is a condition under which this plan will be considered as successful? What are the major goals?

Do

After the planning stage, action is required. In this stage, the project team performs all the task that is planned in the first stage. Potential solutions are tested on a small scale and then results are measured.

 Check

In this stage, formal and informal assessments are carried out. The team analyzes the results of the project against the expectation that are defined in stage 1 to assess whether the idea has worked or not.

Act

In this stage, the team implements the solution that is proposed in previous steps. If everything seems perfect and the team managed to achieve the desired goal, then the initial plan is applied.

Six sigma

DMAIC is a data-driven quality strategy that is used to improve processes. It is a very important part of the six-sigma initiative and can be implemented in the quality improvement procedures. DMAC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control ADDIN EN.CITE <EndNote><Cite><Author>Tennant</Author><Year>2017</Year><RecNum>230</RecNum><DisplayText>(Tennant, 2017)</DisplayText><record><rec-number>230</rec-number><foreign-keys><key app="EN" db-id="2s2s0zrapsf0pbe5efuvv20f9rszvx0sd2fe" timestamp="1573038107">230</key></foreign-keys><ref-type name="Book">6</ref-type><contributors><authors><author>Tennant, Geoff</author></authors></contributors><titles><title>Six Sigma: SPC and TQM in manufacturing and services</title></titles><dates><year>2017</year></dates><publisher>Routledge</publisher><isbn>1315243024</isbn><urls></urls></record></Cite></EndNote>(Tennant, 2017).

Define

In this project goals, problem, improvement activity, customer requirement and opportunity for the environment is defined. A team charter is created to identify team members. Different processes are selected and the objectives of the project are defined. This step includes creating and executing a plan for data collection that provides significant and reliable data. The data indicate that how the process is functioning to meet the specifications. This step is also helpful in analyzing the frequency of causes and problems.

Analyze

In this step, root cause analysis is done to cover the cause. Failure mode and effect analysis are carried out for the identification of process services and product failure. Multi-Variate charts are used to detect the different kinds of variation present within the process.

Improve

In this step, process performance is improved by addressing and eliminating the root causes. In this step, the team implement solutions and collect data to confirm the measurable improvement in project.

Control

In this step, the team documents new solutions to improve processes and process performance.

Lean (5S)

5S is a system for organizations so that work can be performed safely, effectively and efficiently. The 5S comes from Japanese words which are following ADDIN EN.CITE <EndNote><Cite><Author>Furterer</Author><Year>2016</Year><RecNum>231</RecNum><DisplayText>(Furterer, 2016)</DisplayText><record><rec-number>231</rec-number><foreign-keys><key app="EN" db-id="2s2s0zrapsf0pbe5efuvv20f9rszvx0sd2fe" timestamp="1573038168">231</key></foreign-keys><ref-type name="Book">6</ref-type><contributors><authors><author>Furterer, Sandra L</author></authors></contributors><titles><title>Lean Six Sigma in service: applications and case studies</title></titles><dates><year>2016</year></dates><publisher>CRC press</publisher><isbn>042914685X</isbn><urls></urls></record></Cite></EndNote>(Furterer, 2016).

Seiri

Seiton

Seiso

Seiketsu

Shitsuke

In English, these words are translated as

Sort

Set in Order

Shine

Standardize

Sustain

Sort

In this step, the things that are not needed are eliminated by separating parts, instruction, and tools from unneeded material.

Set in Order

Organize whatever remains by identifying and arranging tools and parts for ease of use.

Shine

In this root cause of correct processes and dirtiness is identified.

Standardize

Standards should be for a clean and neat workplace. Schedule regular maintenance and cleaning by conducting sort, set in order and shine.

Sustain

This way of life is formed by following the first four S’s. Regular reviews and audits are done to know about the root cause of issues.

The US almost spends 18% of its Gross domestic product on healthcare. Health organizations can improve their processes by applying different quality improvement methods. Quality improvement methods such as defining quality, identifying variation, using control charts, and plan do study act and developing improvement measures should be applied in all health care organizations. Quality improvement in health care is achievable when an organization uses the above-mentioned principles. Health care organizations can change the pace and dynamic of quality improvement work by initiating small testing on a small scale.

Reference

ADDIN EN.REFLIST Furterer, S. L. (2016). Lean Six Sigma in service: applications and case studies: CRC press.

Johnson, C. N. (2016). The benefits of PDCA. Quality Progress, 49(1), 45.

Tennant, G. (2017). Six Sigma: SPC and TQM in manufacturing and services: Routledge.