A LEAN SIX SIGMA APPROACH TO REDUCE WAITING AND REPORTING TIME IN THE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN KOLKATA

A Lean Six Sigma (DMAIC) approach was taken to study the issue of the imaging services cycle turnaround time (TAT) of the Radiology Department of a Tertiary care Hospital Kolkata. By conducting a Gemba Walk interview (Annexure 1) and Time motion study (Annexure 2), the entire process was mapped and areas causing delay were identified in the defining and measuring stage. Pareto analysis yielded the root causes of delay in the analysing stage. In the intervention stage practical approaches were undertaken to increase patient orientation and preparedness for the scan thereby decreasing pre-test waiting time and streamlining of operations. The reporting process ultimately aided in reduced pre-test and post-test waiting times.