Six Sigma: Improving the Quality of Operation Theatre

Aligning Total Quality Management (TQM) by applying SIX-SIGMA in the health care setup gives a strategic dimension to hospital manager to reform the system & functions to obtain zero error hospital. This study proposes the DMAIC Six Sigma approach of Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve/Implement and Control (DMAIC) to improve the process in the Operation Theatre of a corporate multi specialty hospital in Bangalore, India. The DMAIC approach showed a wider application and how the healthcare organisation can achieve competitive advantages, efficient decision-making and problem-solving capabilities within a business context. The paper identifies each stage in detail, discusses the tools required and points out the limitations to the success of the improvement initiatives. The paper develops a Design DMAIC Model that can be used as a template for improving the Operation Theatre Process in hospitals. Six Sigma is complimentary to other initiatives such as ISO, JACHO, TQM, NABH etc. The study recommends many OT related solutions for framing policies, for consultants and for supportive staff, engineering and IT services.