A data-driven approach to patient care: Kauvery Hospital pioneers six sigma in healthcare

Dhanasekar Sundaramoorthy,

Assistant General Manager – Group Head Business Excellence

Introduction

Six Sigma has been used as a data-driven methodology for process improvement, at Kauvery Hospital. The case study examines the challenges overcome, team composition, and the impact of completed projects on patient care, operational efficiency, and the potential for broader adoption in healthcare.

Background and Initial Challenges

Kauvery Hospital’s initiative to implement Six Sigma represents a significant step towards operational excellence in the healthcare sector. Six Sigma is a methodology widely used in manufacturing to eliminate defects and improve process efficiency. However, its applicability in the complex and nuanced environment of healthcare was initially met with skepticism. The Business Excellence team at Kauvery Hospital, led by Mr. Mukundan, played a pivotal role in overcoming this skepticism. Their unwavering belief in the potential of Six Sigma, coupled with the support of Dr. Manivannan, paved the way for a pilot program designed to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Team Formation and Training

Building a team with the right skillset and experience was crucial for the success of the Six Sigma program at Kauvery Hospital. A diverse team was assembled, comprising individuals from various departments across the Trichy facilities. This approach ensured a well-rounded understanding of the hospital’s operations and fostered a robust exchange of perspectives. The team composition included a healthy mix of young and experienced members, leveraging both fresh ideas and institutional knowledge.  Mr. RMK, a dedicated leader with expertise in Six Sigma principles, was chosen as the project lead and pilot project trainer. He played a critical role in guiding the team through the methodology and ensuring its effective application within the healthcare context. Mr. Sowmesh provided coordination and facilitation, ensuring smooth communication and project flow.  Meanwhile, Mr. Dhanasekar monitored overall progress, providing strategic direction and addressing any challenges that arose.

Implementation and Project Completion

The implementation process emphasized continuous learning and development for the project team. Through comprehensive training sessions, assessments, and ongoing guidance from Mr. RMK and other team leaders, the team members gained a thorough understanding of Six Sigma tools and techniques. This knowledge base, combined with the unwavering support of unit leadership teams who provided vital insights into departmental operations, empowered the team to tackle real-world challenges. While five projects were initially identified, the team successfully completed three within the designated timeframe. This initial success highlights the adaptability of Six Sigma to the healthcare environment and lays the groundwork for future implementations.

Project Impact on Patient Care and Efficiency

The completed projects yielded tangible benefits for Kauvery Hospital, impacting both patient satisfaction and revenue management, demonstrating the potential of Six Sigma to address a wide range of challenges in healthcare settings.

Reduced Revenue Loss in Consumables Billing: Led by Mr. Kalidasan and Ms. Abinaya Priya, along with co-opted members Ms. Annalakshmi, Ms. Valaramthi, and Ms. Kalai Selvi, this project addressed inefficiencies in billing practices for consumables used in the operating theatre (OT) department. The project team identified and addressed issues related to manual billing, which were prone to errors and delays. This initiative, sponsored by Mr. Anbuchezian, resulted in a significant reduction in manual billing and prevented revenue loss, generating annual cost savings of ₹15.31 Lakhs. This project exemplifies how Six Sigma can optimize financial performance in healthcare institutions.

Improved Patient Satisfaction through Feedback: This project, led by Mr. Gokul Baskar and Dr. Augustine Sylveste with Mr. Karunakaran as a co-opted member, focused on gathering and analyzing patient feedback. Sponsored by Mr. Jayakumar and Mr. Androse Nithiyadoss, the project implemented a system for collecting and analyzing patient feedback on their experiences at the KCN and KHC units. This data-driven approach allowed the hospital to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted changes. The project resulted in a remarkable increase in patient satisfaction scores in both units, showcasing a positive shift in patient experience. This success story highlights how Six Sigma can be leveraged to enhance patient-centred care.

Enhanced Prescription Honouring at OP Pharmacy: Led by Ms. Esthar Ran, Ms Priya and Ms. Amalarpova Mary, along with co-opted members Ms. Shanmuga Priya, Ms. Shanthi Rani, and Ms. Vijayalakshmi this project addressed the issue of unfulfilled prescriptions at the outpatient (OP) pharmacy. The project team investigated the reasons behind discrepancies between prescribed medications and dispensed drugs. Sponsored by Mr. Androse Nithiyadoss, the project successfully reduced the zero bill honouring rate, ensuring patients receive their prescribed medications more efficiently. This initiative demonstrates how Six Sigma can improve medication adherence and patient outcomes.

Conclusion

The success of these Six Sigma projects would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the entire team. Their commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration for the entire Kauvery organization. This achievement marks a new chapter in Kauvery’s pursuit of continuous improvement, and paves the way for further exploration of Six Sigma’s potential in enhancing healthcare delivery.

Award and Honour

 

Dhanasekar Sundaramoorthy

AGM and Head of Business Excellence

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