Using Six Sigma and Information Technology to Improve Performance

Mary Reich Cooper, M.D., J.D., Vice President & Chief Quality Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Providing the highest quality of patient care and service is a key strategic initiative at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Six Sigma tools have been applied throughout the hospital to enhance this initiative. Case studies of Six Sigma projects associated with information technology challenges, including length of stay reduction, revenue enhancement, and medication delivery, are presented to illustrate how to use information technology to drive performance improvement projects. Dr. Cooper discusses how to use data to motivate the medical staff and build consensus, how to demonstrate and quantify improvements, and lessons learned during implementation.