Author
Jaap van den Heuvel
Bio: Jaap van den Heuvel is an academic researcher from University of Amsterdam. The author has contributed to research in topics: Six Sigma & Lean Six Sigma. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 15 publications receiving 892 citations.
Papers
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TL;DR: This article outlines a methodology and presents examples to illustrate how principles of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma can be combined to provide an effective framework for producing systematic innovation efforts in healthcare.
Abstract: Healthcare, as with any other service operation, requires systematic innovation efforts to remain competitive, cost efficient, and up-to-date. This article outlines a methodology and presents examples to illustrate how principles of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma can be combined to provide an effective framework for producing systematic innovation efforts in healthcare. Controlling healthcare cost increases, improving quality, and providing better healthcare are some of the benefits of this approach.
444 citations
TL;DR: The positive effects reported in this article show how ISO is expected to become more prevalent in health-care organisations.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe how The Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk, The Netherlands implemented an ISO 9000 quality management system throughout the entire organisation, obtained an ISO 9002:1994 and subsequently an ISO 9001:2000 certificate.Design/methodology/approach – First, a global implementation plan was written concerning the process obtaining in each department. Once improved, each process was subjected to a procedure, and specific protocols effected. On completion the Quality Manual was put together. Quality management was completed by implementing an internal audit system involving 50 co‐workers.Findings – A number of advantages are found from using ISO. The focus on patients has been re‐established. All processes are identified and subject to continuous improvement. Performance measurements were introduced and give an integrated picture of results. Measurements subsequently lead to improvement of quality of care and to quality system improvements. The documentation system serves the organization's n...
104 citations
TL;DR: Lean Six Sigma is an integration of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, both quality improvement programmes originating from industry that provides an integrated improvement approach that increases quality by reducing variation, defects, and costs.
Abstract: Hospitals today face major challenges. Patients demand quality of care to be improved continuously. Health insurance companies demand the lowest possible prices. Lean Six Sigma is a programme that can help healthcare providers to achieve these (seemingly) conflicting goals. Lean Six Sigma is an integration of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing, both quality improvement programmes originating from industry. Lean and Six Sigma are highly complementary. Six Sigma provides an integrated improvement approach that increases quality by reducing variation, defects, and costs. Lean adds tools that increases process throughput by eliminating waste. In healthcare faster means rapid access and no waiting times, while reducing defects means less complication. Increasing speed and reducing defects both lead to lower costs. Hence, Lean Six Sigma is an excellent tool to tackle present-day healthcare challenges.
102 citations
TL;DR: The results show that the completed projects of Six Sigma at the Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk produced €1.2 million in annual savings, and the expected total net annual savings of all running projects are €3 million.
Abstract: Six Sigma is a quality improvement approach aimed at optimising processes while reducing defects and costs. It has been developed and is widely used in industry and recently has been introduced, on a limited scale, in healthcare. In this article, we discuss the results of the implementation of Six Sigma at the Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk, the Netherlands. From the initial start in 2002, up to now, 44 projects have been initiated and 21 projects are closed. Projects are initiated in various departments and disciplines. Co-workers on almost all levels within the organisation are being trained and have been provided with tools to perform projects that improve quality and reduce costs of healthcare delivery. The results show that the completed projects produced €1.2 million in annual savings. The expected total net annual savings of all running projects are €3 million.
86 citations
Abstract: Inefficient utilization of operating rooms is a major problem in hospitals worldwide. A study of 13 hospitals in Belgium and the Netherlands showed that surgery began consistently late. Two hospitals were selected to record the start times for the first..
51 citations
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Journal Article•
TL;DR: Developing and delivering high quality products and services means that you are doing things correctly from the beginning, and as a consequence you are reducing the need for additional services, from verification to warranty.
Abstract: THE NEED FOR QUALITY The first thing that we need to consider, in any organization, is that quality is the most important thing. The quality of your work defines you. Whoever you are, Whatever you do, I can find the same products and services cheaper somewhere else. But your quality is your signature. Developing and delivering high quality products and services means that you are doing things correctly from the beginning. As a consequence, you are reducing the need for additional services, from verification to warranty.
1,273 citations
TL;DR: Though there seems to exist an agreement about the potential of lean healthcare, it remains a challenge for academics and practitioners to evaluate lean healthcare under a more critical perspective.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on lean healthcare. It seeks to describe how this concept has being applied and to assess how trends and methods of approach in lean healthcare have evolved over the years.Design/methodology/approach – The paper surveys the applications of lean healthcare in the current literature and classifies over 90 works according to a taxonomy suggested.Findings – Though there seems to exist an agreement about the potential of lean healthcare, it remains a challenge for academics and practitioners to evaluate lean healthcare under a more critical perspective.Practical implications – This work is helpful not only for healthcare practitioners and for researchers in private and public organisations, but also for journal editors and reviewers because it offers ready access to an up to date comprehensive review.Originality/value – Since lean started being applied in healthcare, no effort to provide a complete resource surveying the existing...
577 citations
TL;DR: This study critically reviewed 18 articles describing the implementation of Lean in 15 EDs in the United States, Australia, and Canada and revealed numerous ED process changes, often involving separate patient streams, accompanied by structural changes such as new technologies, communication systems, staffing changes, and the reorganization of physical space.
484 citations
TL;DR: This article outlines a methodology and presents examples to illustrate how principles of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma can be combined to provide an effective framework for producing systematic innovation efforts in healthcare.
Abstract: Healthcare, as with any other service operation, requires systematic innovation efforts to remain competitive, cost efficient, and up-to-date. This article outlines a methodology and presents examples to illustrate how principles of Lean Thinking and Six Sigma can be combined to provide an effective framework for producing systematic innovation efforts in healthcare. Controlling healthcare cost increases, improving quality, and providing better healthcare are some of the benefits of this approach.
444 citations
TL;DR: Even though Lean results appear to be promising, findings so far do not allow to draw a final word on its positive impacts or challenges when introduced in the healthcare sector.
405 citations