Process Capability Evaluation on Timing Surgery Scheduling in an Odontology Colombian Clinic. An analysis from Six Sigma

The article presents the results of the analysis of the process capability evaluation in surgery scheduling in a Colombian Odontology Clinic using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to establish improvement projects. Scheduling supports the whole surgery procedure in healthcare facilities due to the importance of estimating resources for medical assistance and optimizing the available time. LSS is a widely known methodology for improving processes, and its applications in healthcare are related to the importance of increasing the value added to the Patient Safety Policy. The methodology consists of applying the DMAIC cycle. The covered tools focus on reducing the waiting time for surgery scheduling, identifying its causes, and establishing improvements. The case study did not have evidence of previous LSS methodology applications, but it had implemented a quality management system. The results showed that the process lacks control due to the process capability, and the causes are associated with errors in the application of procedures, diagnostic and improvement actions. The business case does not use previous inputs such as diagnosis (dental x-rays) and surgery complications for scheduling the surgeries, and the process has no indicators clearly defined, so this is an opportunity to determine leading causes of time extension and to schedule the surgery appropriately. Future studies could be related to establishing improvements, controlling those in the process, and training the involved people.