Management &
Quality Managementcontinued Education Review 586
SYSTEM HIGHLIGHTS
Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma
Tracer Methodology
System developed by Motorola to improve quality by determining & eliminating causes
of defects/errors & reducing variability in processes. Uses DMAIC methodology (define,
measure, analyze, improve, control) to improve processes & statistical methods to mea -
sure quality improvements. Six sigma = only 3 errors per million tests. Select employees
are trained to become experts & lead efforts, e.g., “Green Belts, Black Belts.”
Quality improvement system that combines principles of Lean & Six Sigma.
Internal audit tool to evaluate quality of patient care by following a specimen through
preanalytic, analytic, & postanalytic phases of testing. Used by The Joint Commission &
CAP as part of accreditation.
