Common Quality Improvement Methodologies Including the Model for Improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma

Katherine Coughlin; Michael A Posencheg

doi:10.1016/j.clp.2023.02.002

Common Quality Improvement Methodologies Including the Model for Improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma

Clin Perinatol. 2023 Jun;50(2):285-306. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.02.002.

Authors

Katherine Coughlin¹, Michael A Posencheg²

Affiliations

¹ Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women and Newborns, 8555 Aero Drive #340, San Diego CA 92123, USA.
² Division of Neonatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Ravdin Building, 8th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address: michael.posencheg@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

PMID: 37201982
DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.02.002

Abstract

This article reviews several common quality improvement methodologies, including the Model for Improvement, Lean, and Six Sigma. We demonstrate how these methods are based on a similar improvement science foundation. We describe the tools used to understand problems in the context of systems and the mechanisms to learn and build knowledge, using specific examples from the neonatology and pediatric literature. We conclude with a discussion on the importance of the human side of change in quality improvement, including team formation and culture.

Keywords: Lean; Model for Improvement; Psychology of change; Six Sigma; System of Profound Knowledge.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Efficiency, Organizational
Humans
Quality Improvement*
Total Quality Management*