Our Behind-the-Scenes Approach
The performance improvement methodology for Carilion Clinic is Lean-Six Sigma. This business approach seeks to identify and correct the causes of errors and variation in how we provide care.
In other words, we need to focus on consistently practicing accepted standards of care and recognizing when our efficiency can be improved.
In business terms, Lean focuses on eliminating non-value added steps and activities in a process, while Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation from the remaining value-added steps. Therefore, Lean makes sure we are working on the correct activities, and Six Sigma makes sure we are conducting these activities properly the first time.
Quality Care with a Human Touch
As a member of the Service Excellence team, Edith meets with a multidisciplinary group each month to discuss how to better serve patients, their families and friends. She works every day to make life more comfortable for patients and to improve their quality of life.
Edith Blake works in Environmental Services at Bedford Memorial Hospital.
