Healthcare Update: Quality Tools and Applications

Welcome to Healthcare Update: Quality Tools and Applications. Each monthly edition features a specific tool and includes a template, how-to method or case study, with tips for use or accounts of how the tool could be used. This edition allows members of the ASQ community to share ideas and best practices for making the most of quality tools.

SIPOC+CM Diagram

A suppliers, inputs, processes, outputs, customers (SIPOC) diagram offers a high-level view of the "as is" state of a process under investigation. The +C stands for constraints facing the system and the +M for the measures to be used. Learn more about the tool.

Additional Resources

Publications, Books and Articles:

• SIPOC definition: Related to the process map, a SIPOC diagram is a tool for defining business processes by listing suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, and customers. Requirements of the customers may also be included.
• "ASQ Certification Board Puts Quality Tools to Work," from QP (This article will be available to Healthcare Update: Tools and Applications readers until Feb. 26).
• "Improving Performance in Health Care: Six Sigma," from the AQP Annual Spring Conference Proceedings. This is offered from the Team and Workplace Excellence Forum. (This presentation will be available to Healthcare Update: Tools and Applications readers until Feb. 26).
• "Helping Doctors Make Better Decisions," Quality for Life article.
• "Perfect Match," Six Sigma Forum Magazine article. (This article will be available to Healthcare Update: Tools and Applications readers until Feb. 26).
• Lean Six Sigma in Service: Applications and Case Studies, book.
• "Fueling Innovation: C’ing Six Sigma with Two I’s," proceedings from the 2007 World Conference on Quality and Improvement. (This presentation will be available to Healthcare Update: Tools and Applications readers until Feb. 26).

Have a Tool or Application to Submit?

Is there a specific tool, template or how-to method you’ve used to obtain better results or make processes more efficient? If so, submit it for consideration in Healthcare Update: Quality Tools and Applications.

Suggestions for submissions:

• Try using one of the downloadable tools or templates provided here. Write about how you used the template within a specific project for improved results. Or, offer an idea for improving or expanding the template. Look at the tools that have already been highlighted.
• Have you created your own quality tool template, one you can’t live without? Write a short description and instructions, and send it to us to consider for publication.    
• Have you seen a particularly creative use of a quality tool in an unexpected setting? Tell us about it. 
• What are your top three tips for using a particular quality tool successfully?  

Submissions should be about 500 words. Please note: This newsletter is not intended to promote or sell products or services. To be considered for a future issue of Healthcare Update: Quality Tools and Applications, e-mail your tool or application to editor Nicole Adrian.

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