Using Six Sigma and Lean Strategically for creating Integrated Health Care Systems

Abstract

To provide leadership in the promotion and protection of the health and social well being of the community through advocacy, education and community-based health services” is a sample mission statement of a prominent Department of Health and Human Services in large metropolitan city. Creating an effective, innovative and modern Information Technology division strategy to support hardware, desktop software, and health department specific applications which are aligned health department programs goals is a necessary a daunting task for leadership. A strategy based on Lean tools and revised Six Sigma approach, DEAPS, was created to improve integrated health care systems and results were demonstrated in a public health and human services department. Discussion including an economic analysis is provided to demonstrate how health care operations can be enhanced.