Don't Miss This 2019 IDC Preconference Offering

"Don’t Throw Solutions at the Problem to See What Sticks…a Six Sigma Approach to Focused Problem Solving" 

Hospice programs are experiencing increased scrutiny around the delivery, cost and quality of care.  Hospice providers may encounter further scrutiny from the general public due to the recent OIG report – Hospice Deficiencies Pose Risks to Medicare Beneficiaries, dated July 2019, as well as the media coverage on the report.  It is imperative that hospice providers continue to educate the public about quality care delivery.

Using a systematic approach to improve your quality of care delivery is now more important than ever.    Six Sigma/Lean Sigma is a process improvement method that provides organizations with the tools to improve business and quality processes. The increase in performance and decrease in process variation leads to a reduction in deficiencies, improvement in profits, better employee morale, and a higher quality of services.

At the upcoming 2019 Interdisciplinary Conference in Orlando, Florida, a session about the Six Sigma/Lean Sigma process will be available during the preconference offerings on Sunday, November 3. Participants will learn the difference between Six Sigma and the Lean Sigma approach to problem solving, as well as how to apply a systematic approach to process improvement and identification of root causes of any variance in quality.

As CMS moves closer to a restructured payment model for hospice, providers must ensure efficient delivery of quality hospice care.  An increase in performance and a decrease in process variation, by clinical staff, leads to a reduction in survey deficiencies and an increase in quality metrics reflected in CAHPS scores and Pepper Reports.  Please join us for this preconference offering - Don’t Throw Solutions at the Problem to See What Sticks…a Six Sigma Approach to Focused Problem Solving.

For more information about this preconference offering and the 2019 Interdisciplinary Conference, please visit nhpco.org/idc2019.

Submitted by Sarah McSpadden
President and COO, The Elizabeth Hospice

Sarah McSpadden