Investigating the Effect of the 7S Technique on Performance Management and Productivity of Operating Room Staff: An Interventional Study

Abstract

Background: One of the most important issues in a health care system is the performance management and productivity of employees. Sigma technique is a quality improvement method, which has proved effective in many organizations and has recently been used in the health care system, especially in the operating room. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Seven Sigma technique (7S) on performance management and productivity of operating room staff in selected educational and medical centers of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this interventional research, the study population consisted of 45 operating room staff including technicians, technologists, and surgeons. Before the intervention, a WhatsApp channel was created to gather group members. Then, over the course of three weeks, the principles of the Seven Sigma technique were gradually sent to the research population, and participants were asked to carefully review the materials. Every three days, after posting a question in the channel to ensure understanding of the previous topic, the next section was also posted in the channel. Then, after three weeks, a productivity questionnaire was sent to the research population, and using a researcher-made checklist, the performance of the employees was evaluated. Standard statistical methods were used to analyze the data in SPSS version 22.0. Results: From a total of 45 staff, 62% were women and 38% were men. The majority of subjects (36%) were between 24 and 28 years old. The majority of personnel (89%) had a university degree in operating room, and most of them (84%) had a bachelor’s degree. Most of the staff (91%) worked rotating shifts during the month. There was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of performance management (P<0.001). There was also a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of productivity (P<0.001). Conclusion: The findings indicated the effectiveness of the 7S technique in performance management and productivity of the staff. Therefore, the relevant authorities are requested to increase performance management using the 7S technique to reduce defects and problems limiting the efficiency of personnel in the operating room. This method can also be practical and useful for other wards of hospitals.