The Joint Commission is studying how to implement quality processes such as Lean and Six Sigma into its business functions as a way to improve internal operations.
Throughout the rest of the year, the commission will explore training opportunities and start to develop programs that embed processes into daily routine, said Mark Chassin, physician president of the accrediting body. Changes will be implemented across the organization, including Joint Commission Resources and Joint Commission International. An ongoing challenge is to ensure that standards are effective, Chassin said. The commission’s obligation is to maintain the “highest confidence” that its standards effect change, and applying processes that have been successful in other industries to its own practices will advance that goal, he said. “When you improve on our measures, health outcomes will improve directly as a result.”
In addition, the commission will determine if its next generation of standards might also include an assessment of how well healthcare facilities are using similar quality processes, said Chassin, who gave a keynote speech to open a Joint Commission International standards practicum in Chicago today. About 100 people from around the world are studying the commission’s international standards during the practicum, which is continuing all week. -- by Jean DerGurahian
