Lean Six Sigma Reduces Implementation Time of Venous Thromboembolism Mechanical Prophylaxis by 78%

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), defined as a deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary emboli, is linked to increased hospital length of stay, increased cost of care, readmissions, disability and death. A 500 bed tertiary medical center recognized patients were at an increased risk for development of VTE following an audit that showed 81 percent of patients with an order for mechanical prophylaxis did not have the modality actively implemented. Further data analysis revealed a mean delay of 354 minutes from the time of physician order to implementation.

Utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology, an interprofessional team analyzed what was driving the absence of initiation, delay of implementation and decreased compliance with mechanical prophylaxis. After a process redesign, the pilot unit demonstrated a mean time of 79 minutes, a 78 percent reduction, from time of physician order to implementation of mechanical prophylaxis.

This case study is part of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's annual Quality Excellence Achievement Awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals and health systems in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These organizations are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim—improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction), improving the health of populations, and reducing the per capita cost of health care—and the Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement—safe, effective, patient centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. To learn more, visit https://www.ihaqualityawards.org/javascript-ui/IHAQualityAward/