Multiple Case Study Analysis of Lean Six Sigma Methodology in Reducing Medication Errors in Thai Public Hospitals

Abstract

Medication errors pose a significant risk to patient safety and burden hospital resources considerably. This study explores the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in two public hospitals in Thailand, focusing on their inpatient pharmacies and employing an action research methodology. The research involved a collaborative effort between researchers and hospital staff to apply LSS principles to improve patient care. Results from both hospitals indicated substantial benefits, including a 65% reduction in dispensing errors at Hospital A and a 33% reduction at Hospital B, increased staff satisfaction, and improved patient satisfaction scores. Challenges included resistance to change and communication barriers. The study highlights the effectiveness of non-statistical tools such as process mapping and root cause analysis within the LSS framework. These findings offer practical insights for other hospitals seeking to reduce medication errors, enhance patient safety, and optimize operational efficiency. The research provides a practical guide for implementing LSS in healthcare settings, emphasizing continuous improvement and a patient-centered approach to overcoming operational challenges.