Track: Healthcare Systems

Abstract

Healthcare organizations have adopted and applied different quality tools and models in recent times, with some even developing their own quality‐based initiatives. For example, the approach of Lean Six Sigma (L6σ) has recently been implemented gradually and slowly in healthcare institutions. However, the nature and complexity of healthcare environment which directly impact on humans requires leaders/managers to carefully apply appropriate quality management systems suitable for this critical environment. This paper aims to assist the healthcare leaders/practitioners in decision making for achieving benchmark standards, through a novel methodology of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Knowledge Based system,. The paper proposes a conceptual model for quality management in a healthcare environment (QMHCE). This conceptual model will be the framework for designing a hybrid Knowledge Based (KB) - Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) - Gauging Absence of Pre-requisite (GAP) system for Lean Six Sigma (L6σ) driven QMHCE. The paper will present an original and novel approach (KB/ES coupled with AHP and GAP analysis) to designing and implementing L6σ in QMHCE. The KB system embeds GAP for benchmarking (evaluating the existing practices with the desired one), and AHP for prioritization of implementation. The proposed KB system will benchmark the current position of QMHCE with the ideal benchmark one (resulting from extensive evaluation by the KB/GAP/AHP system of international quality concepts in healthcare organizations).