Improving Insulin Distribution and Administration Safety Using Lean Six Sigma Methodologies

Abstract

Purpose To utilize Lean Six Sigma in a hospital environment to improve insulin medication safety, improve the efficiency of insulin delivery, and reduce costs by analyzing the dispensing and administration process. Methods A Six Sigma team from a pharmaceutical manufacturer and a multidisciplinary hospital team collaborated to evaluate and modify the insulin dispensing and administration process utilizing the Lean Six Sigma improvement process (DMAIC process: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). Key factors, or root causes, leading to problems within the system were identified and addressed to improve the efficiency of the process while maintaining quality and improving patient safety. Results A number of key steps were identified to streamline the insulin dispensing and administration process including checking medications centrally instead of at satellite pharmacies, adding additional insulins and associated supplies to automated dispensing cabinets on each floor, and replacing shared bins for medications with separate storage bins for each patient. Additional changes made following the Lean Six Sigma project resulted in a system with less variability and increased efficiency. In addition to improved patient safety, annualized overall cost savings of $75,000 were estimated following implementation primarily due to the elimination of rework done in the pharmacy due to misplaced vials. Conclusion This collaborative effort between a hospital and a pharmaceutical manufacturer successfully utilized Lean Six Sigma methodologies to demonstrate positive, validated outcomes in improving insulin safety and patient care. Additional product insights were gained by the pharmaceutical manufacturer to further improve insulin safety.