Abstract
Purpose To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of Lean and Six Sigma quality improvement approaches in enhancing diagnostic imaging workflows and departmental financial performance.
Method Literature for this review was retrieved from Scopus, CINAHIL Plus, PubMed, and Healthcare Administration Database in February and March 2026. Empirical studies and literature reviews were included if they addressed the utilization of Lean Six Sigma, Lean, or Six Sigma as a method of quality improvement within a diagnostic imaging departmental setting.
Results Database searches generated 1,624 articles, and 17 were deemed suitable for inclusion in the study. There were four studies that directly measured patient turnaround time and five that measured reductions in time from exam order to completion. Direct financial metrics were reported in two studies, with various metrics improved in others.
Discussion Lean Six Sigma generated improvement in patient scheduling wait times and throughput, and Lean Six Sigma generated improvements in departmental finance metrics are discussed in detail. Numerical and financial data are provided from the literature demonstrating the methodology’s effectiveness upon these measures. The themes analyzed display the most consistent findings within the literature on the subject.
Conclusion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies have demonstrated strong potential to increase patient throughput in diagnostic imaging departments and to reduce the time between order placement and exam completion. By streamlining processes and reducing waste, these approaches can enhance key departmental performance metrics and contribute to higher annual revenue. Additional research is warranted to further explore and validate the impact of these quality improvement strategies within diagnostic imaging settings.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.52519/00269
Graduation Date
Summer 8-7-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Radiologic Science
Program
The School of Health Professions
Faculty Advisor
Kevin R. Clark
Committee Member
Jessyca B. Wagner
Director, Graduate Program
William A. Undie
Dean
Kimberly Hoggatt Krumwiede
Recommended Citation
Osuji, O. N. Application of Lean Six Sigma Strategies to Improve Diagnostic Imaging Departmental Performance Metrics: A Literature Review. [thesis]. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; 2026. https://doi.org/10.52519/00269
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
