Health execs: Quality improvement key to operational success

Healthcare leaders point to cost reduction, enhanced patient experience and improved clinical outcomes as the top three priorities facing the industry in coming years, according to a survey released this week by healthcare network VHA. The findings point to the value of Lean Six Sigma and other process optimization efforts in delivering effective care.

However, surveyed executives largely seemed to agree that big gains cannot be achieved by merely cutting back on staff or resources. Rather, companies will have to implement quality improvement measures to balance their bottom lines and ensure proper patient service.

In fact, 71 percent of respondents believe the biggest gains will come from improving process and workflow standards, an undertaking that can be aided by Lean methodology. Fifty-seven percent cited reductions in practice variability, and 43 percent pointed to lower costs in physician preference products as significant drivers of change.

“This unique group of the nation's largest health care systems demonstrates that by working together, healthcare organizations can focus on cost management strategies that will ultimately benefit our patients,” said Bruce Mairose, vice chair of supply chain management at Mayo Clinic. “We are taking on important and complex initiatives.”