Luc R. Pelletier

Interview with a Quality Leader: Beth Lanham on Six Sigma in Healthcare

eth Lanham, BSN RN, is a Six Sigma Coordinator B in the department of quality management, staff development and safety, at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Ms. Lanham received her bachelor’s degree from Otterbein College in Westerville, OH and has an extensive clinical and management background in critical care nursing. In April 2000, Ms. Lanham completed the Six Sigma Black Belt training program through the American Society for Quality. She is currently working as a Six Sigma Black Belt and is actively involved with numerous committees and projects aimed at reducing medical errors and enhancing patient safety. Ms. Lanham has presented Six Sigma initiatives at the International Quality Congress sponsored by the American Society for Quality, the University Healthcare Consortium National Conference, the International Quality and Productivity Center National Conference on Six Sigma for Healthcare Providers, and the American Hospital Association Patient Safety Leadership Fellowship Retreat. Six Sigma projects at Froedtert Hospital are aimed at reducing errors associated with patient controlled analgesia pumps, continuous intravenous infusions, narcotic sedation in postoperative patients, insulin therapy, and handling of laboratory specimens. Six Sigma has also been applied toward reducing falls on a rehabilitation unit.

Contraband: The Hidden Risk

In a 28-month retrospective study of contraband possession in an inpatient psychiatric setting, 54 incidents of contraband confiscation were identified. Incidents were analyzed according to day and shift of occurrence, nature of contraband, patient diagnoses and characteristics, and patient outcome of contraband possession. Study findings stress the importance of clearly stated contraband policies and procedures, especially in light of patient and staff rights and responsibilities.