Abstract
Background: Evidence-based quality improvement (EBQI) is an established methodology for identifying nursing practice changes that improve health care quality and safety. However, EBQI itself does not provide a framework for navigating the barriers to practice change.
Local Problem: An EBQI program in an orthopedic specialty hospital fostered many successful quality improvement projects. However, program participants frequently encountered barriers to project implementation.
Methods: Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles, tools, and strategies were incorporated into the EBQI program to help participants overcome organizational barriers to successful implementation.
Interventions: LSS interventions included stakeholder alignment, process analysis, change management, project management, structured check-ins, mentoring, and organizational recognition.
Results: The addition of LSS principles gave EBQI project leaders new tools for gaining executive support, securing resources, and overcoming organizational inertia to facilitate effective practice change.
Conclusions: Lean Six Sigma can increase the effectiveness of an EBQI program.