The main similarity in the three quality improvement approaches is that they all have the ultimate objective of minimizing waste and enhancing a system’s efficiency. In simple terms, all three methods identify why waste is generated despite the different ways each approach uses to achieve its objectives (Sweeney, 2017). On the other hand, lean is a manufacturing way that employs a systematic manner in how wastes are eliminated. Moreover, the systematic way works by generating flow in the production process. Lean is more of a culture rather than a set of tools and entails a deeper understanding of the way of thinking and the working environment (Brenig-Jones and Dowdall, 2018). Six Sigma utilizes a set of approaches that significantly minimize the degree of faults. In other words, six Sigma offers an organization a structured way of looking at the production process to assist employees in getting over intractable manufacturing issues (Evans and William, 2014). Lean Six Sigma relies on a collaborative team effort to minimize variation while systematically removing wastes in the production process.
In a health care setting, the lean six sigma methodology is best suited since it helps minimize defects that potentially result in medical errors. The method allows professionals to reduce prescription instruction errors in release documents by approximately 50 percent (Evans and William, 2014). Since Lean Six Sigma is centered on eliminating defects, its appropriateness in the health care setting is paramount due to the ability to detect defects that define life and death outcomes among patients (Evans and William, 2014). The quality improvement approach is significant in health care since professionals can utilize the DMAIC to improve the patient experience by ensuring health care processes consistently deliver the desired outcomes.
References
Brenig-Jones, M., & Dowdall, J. (2018). Lean Six Sigma for leaders. John Wiley & Sons.
Evans, J. R., & William, M. L. (2014). Introduction to Six Sigma & Process Improvement. 2nd ed. Cengage Learning.
Sweeney, B. (2017). Lean six sigma quickstart guide: The simplified beginner’s guide to Lean Six Sigma. ClydeBank Media, LLC.