Emergency Departments (EDs) are critical to delivering timely care, yet they often face operational inefficiencies that result in extended patient Length of Stay (LOS). This dissertation explores the application of Six Sigma’s DMAIC
(Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to reduce LOS in the Emergency Department of The Mission Hospital, Durgapur. The study identifies key contributors to prolonged LOS, including exit block due to bed
unavailability, delays in diagnostics and ancillary services, communication gaps, and infrastructural limitations.
A mixed-method research design was adopted, analyzing data from 7,380 patients over a six-month period. Root cause analysis tools such as Fishbone diagrams and Pareto charts were used to identify process inefficiencies. Targeted interventions including triage optimization, diagnostic prioritization, and workflow redesign
were implemented durng the Improve phase. These efforts led to a statistically significant reduction in average LOS from 321 minutes in January 2025 to 164 minutes by March 2025, marking a 49% improvement.
The study demonstrates that structured, data-driven interventions using the DMAIC framework can lead to measurable and sustainable improvements in ED efficiency. The findings provide actionable insights for healthcare administrators seeking to enhance patient flow, reduce wait times, and improve overall service
delivery in emergency care settings.
Original Article
English
P. 07-18
