Improving the Performance of Hospital Information Systems Using Six Sigma for Kermanshah Province Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Performance improvement in hospitals requires an appropriate model for performance evaluation. Because organizational goals cannot be achieved without a comprehensive model for evaluating and reviewing programs, organizations cannot apply effective management of programs without regard to the results of their activities. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to introduce a new model for improving the performance of hospital information systems using Six Sigma method in Kermanshah province hospitals. Methods: This is a qualitative research based on content analysis and Delphi method. The data are collected through semi-structured interviews and the participants are 19 experts in hospital performance systems which were selected by snowball sampling. After transcribing the interviews, three steps were done using content analysis: firstly, using line-by-line coding (or open coding) words and segments of interviews were coded, secondly, each code was conceptualized and categorized into some axial codes based on focused coding, and finally, selective coding was done in which categories were identified based on axial codes’ similarity, conceptual relationship and common characteristics. Results: The results of the coding of the interviews showed that variables such as reduction of medical errors, improvement of hospital quality of services, promotion of hospital efficiency and productivity, quick and easy access to information, increased patient satisfaction and safety, management and cost reduction, and time management and control influences the performance of hospital information systems. Conclusions: For improving hospital information systems, hospital managers and system developers should not only pay attention to variables which are controlled by the software and are least affected by the human resources of the organization; such as: cost control, quality control, information control and time control but also human based variables such as specialization of the staffs, their motivation, reduce errors and etc., which are sometimes neglected.