All the talk of health care reform has resulted in many hospitals turning to lean Six Sigma to help improve efficiency and aid in cost cutting. However, health care efficiency expert Ron Wince contends that many of these facilities are not applying the tools properly and therefore will not reap the ultimate benefits. Wince is the CEO of Guidon Performance Solutions and works with hospitals across the country helping them to improve efficiency and quality while reducing costs.

In this interview with Wince we explore the growth of the lean, Six Sigma, and similar programs in the health care industry, and how well those programs have been implemented.
  

Quality Digest: We have seen a lot of interest in hospitals and other health care facilities in implementing lean, Six Sigma, and the like. Do you see this trend continuing at the same rate, increasing, decreasing?

Ron Wince: I expect the trend to continue because results in this sector have been dramatic. We are now seeing more interest in areas outside of clinical operations. With the increasing focus on reducing costs, improving outcomes and adoption of information technology—all areas where lean Six Sigma can provide a significant benefit—most providers, including physician groups, will continue to look toward these methods.

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