Lean and six sigma methodologies in NHS Scotland: Some observations and key findings from a pilot survey

The healthcare industry is constantly concerned about how to better streamline the services they provide to result in better patient care with less waste of resources. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of Lean and Six Sigma principles within the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. Both quantitative and qualitative data have been collected in the form of survey and semi-structured interviews to determine the status of these strategies within the NHS Scotland. Even though the sample size for both the surveys and the semi-structured interviews were relatively small, the findings of the analysis do indicate several important aspects for further research in these two disciplines. Although the personnel of NHS Scotland do seem to have the basic skills to successfully implement Lean Six Sigma, there appears to be a failure on the part of senior management to successfully communicate the desires and needs of these powerful business improvement strategies with personnel. Moreover, a lack of encouragement and motivation are quite prevalent across the sector which prevents Lean and Six Sigma strategies from being utilized in a systematic manner.