Lean six sigma and stroke in rural hospital - The case of Baruch Padeh Medical Center.

Purpose: This case study aims to demonstrate the strengths of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology to improve the acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment rates and reduce process lead time at Baruch Padeh Medical Center (BPMC), a rural hospital in the Galilee region of Northern Israel. The LSS project redefined the BPMC stroke care pathway and increased its efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach: The LSS methodology was implemented in September 2017 by integrating lean principles and the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control).