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Review

Using Six Sigma® Methodology to Improve Handoff Communication in High-Risk Patients

Kshitij P. Mistry  1 , James Jaggers  1 , Andrew J. Lodge  1 , Michael Alton  1 , Jane M. Mericle  1 , Karen S. Frush  1 , Jon N. Meliones  1
Kerm Henriksen, James B Battles, Margaret A Keyes, Mary L Grady
, editors.
In: Advances in Patient Safety: New Directions and Alternative Approaches (Vol. 3: Performance and Tools). Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2008 Aug.
Advances in Patient Safety.
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Review

Using Six Sigma® Methodology to Improve Handoff Communication in High-Risk Patients

Kshitij P. Mistry et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

Background: During the analyses of adverse events, a commonly described risk factor is the sharing of patient information. Objective: The objective for this project was to better understand and improve the postoperative handoff process for children with heart disease. Methods: The existing handoff process was evaluated and improved using Six Sigma® methodology and medical simulation training. Time-based metrics were compared before and after implementing performance improvement initiatives. Results: 29 pre- and 142 post-intervention handoff events were studied. Initiatives resulted in a reduced handoff turnaround time (15.3 min to 9.6 min; P <0.001) and time to obtaining critical laboratory studies (13.0 min to 2.4 min; P <0.001); an increase in chest radiographs completed (60 percent vs. 94 percent; P <0.01) and percent of patients placed on cardio-respiratory monitoring (86 percent vs. 99 percent; P <0.01) within unit standards. Conclusion: In children undergoing surgical intervention, performance improvement principles can improve the handoff process and decrease the delay of time-sensitive therapies.

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