The  Lean Sigma Prescription for Healthcare® Green Belt Certificate Course customizes the Lean Sigma approach for health care professionals. This approach combines Lean Methodology, focusing on optimizing flow, increasing speed and reducing waste, with Six Sigma statistical tools to identify root causes and reduce defects. The Lean Sigma combination provides powerful improvement tools to address chronic operational problems, particularly the seven wastes of health care:

• Defects or rework
• Overproduction
• Excess motion
• Over-processing
• Wait time
• Excess inventory
• Transportation

Examples and exercises apply Lean Sigma tools with health care-specific scenarios to improve patient safety, clinical outcomes and organizational efficiencies. The course reviews statistical concepts applicable to health care, such as normality, stability and capability, as well as the most common statistical tests. Course participants delve into hands-on statistical analysis using Minitab® Statistical Software.

What to Expect

Learning Objectives

Explore Lean and Six Sigma tools in health care through hands-on applications, exercises and projects. After taking this course, the participant will be able to:

• Use the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) project methodology
• Apply concepts learned to a Lean Sigma health care project
• Practice sound data collection and data analysis techniques
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of statistical methods
• Organize and lead a Lean Sigma project

Course Outline

Define/Measure (Understanding the Current State)

• Project Definition, Project Charter
• Values Stream Mapping (VSM), Spaghetti Diagram, Seven Wastes of Health Care
• Normality, Stability, Capability Analyses

Analyze (Understanding Variation and Causal Factors)

• Analysis Plan
• Hypothesis Testing using Minitab Software
• T-test, Chi-Square, Correlation, Regression, Equal Variances

Improve/Control (Generating Breakthrough Improvements)

• Mistake proofing
• Kaizen
• Single Piece Flow
• Cost/Benefit Analysis
• Balance to Takt, 5S, Operational Methods Sheets, Control Charts
• Control Methods and Plans 

The Participant Experience

As participants are introduced to Lean Sigma tools, we offer opportunities to experience these tools through examples and practice exercises. In addition, participants will complete a series of homework assignments between virtual live sessions to further practice lean tools and concepts.

Please note that to earn a Green Belt Certificate of Training, participants are expected to attend each of the live virtual sessions, successfully complete each of the homework assignments and pass the Green Belt exam.

Those who have earned the Green Belt Certificate of Training are also eligible to earn Green Belt Certification. This certification requires the completion of a project which demonstrates your use of Six Sigma tools and methodologies.

Read our FAQs on our Lean Practitioner & Lean Sigma Green Belt courses

Facilitators

Laura Winner, Dr.PH, R.N., B.S.N., M.B.A.
Senior Director of Operational Excellence, Lean Sigma Deployment 

Scott Burkett, B.S., C.S.S.B.B.
Assistant Director, Lean Sigma Deployment

Wilson Lamy, B.S., C.S.S.M.B.B.
Assistant Director, Lean Sigma Deployment

Erica Reinhardt, M.B.A., M.S., R.D., C.L.S.S.B.B.
Assistant Director, Lean Sigma Deployment (Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center campus)