The Utilization of Lean Six Sigma Methodologies in Enhancing Surgical Pathways and Surgical Rehabilitation

The authors offer their perspective on the application of Lean Six Sigma methodology to surgical pathways, from referral to post-operative rehabilitation, and how it has resulted in sustainable improvements in patient outcomes, and patient and staff satisfaction. The origin of Lean Six Sigma is described before considering its application to improving scheduled surgical care. The concept of 'flow', and its relevance to pre-, intra-, and post-operative care, is discussed as well as the role of Lean Six Sigma in supporting innovation and in promoting an organizational culture that promotes openness to new ideas. The elements of the methodology that render it especially suitable for the redesign of surgical pathways include eliciting the customer voice, co-design, enabling system awareness and inculcating a continuous improvement mindset. The necessary conditions for the successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma initiatives include managerial support, high-quality education and training, and alignment with organizational strategy. Future directions for practice and research are discussed before presenting a key finding from the literature and from the authors' collective experience: Lean Six Sigma initiatives will not lead to sustainable improvements where the key elements of the methodology are not recognized and enacted, and where the necessary conditions are absent.

Automated summary

The authors discuss the application of Lean Six Sigma methodology to improve surgical pathways, resulting in sustainable improvements in patient outcomes and satisfaction. They describe the origin of Lean Six Sigma and its relevance to surgical care. The methodology's elements for redesigning surgical pathways include customer voice, co-design, system awareness, and continuous improvement. Successful implementation requires managerial support, quality education, and alignment with organizational strategy. Failure to recognize and enact key elements and lacking necessary conditions will hinder sustainable improvements.