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Smart Future for Digital Health

Jill de Bene

25 June 2025

Throughout my career, I’ve worked in two major organisations that applied Lean methodology to enhance efficiency and eliminate waste. As a certified Six Sigma professional, I often reflect on how valuable that knowledge would have been earlier – especially during my time as a manager in an acute trust, where structured process improvement could have greatly enhanced operational workflows.

Understanding Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a powerful methodology that combines the efficiency focus of Lean with the precision of Six Sigma.

Together, they offer a proven framework for streamlining processes and improving quality:
• Lean focuses on maximising customer value by eliminating non-essential activities.
• Six Sigma focuses on reducing variation and defects through data-driven strategies, leading to greater consistency and accuracy.

The Role of Lean Six Sigma in Healthcare

Despite its origins in manufacturing, LSS holds immense potential in healthcare. Yet, its adoption within the NHS remains inconsistent – often due to scepticism about applying industrial techniques to clinical settings. Nonetheless, structured process improvement is vital. During my time on the National Programme two decades ago, we introduced process mapping in multiple Electronic Health Record (EHR) implementations. These “as-is” and “to-be” mapping frameworks remain invaluable today, but we must evolve beyond them to achieve measurable gains in efficiency and care delivery.

Smart Co’s Approach to Advancing Lean Six Sigma

At Smart Co Future Health, we take Lean Six Sigma a step further by integrating observation techniques and value-add analytics throughout our programme development. By refining the vision and maximising benefits, we ensure IT solutions drive lasting operational improvements rather than simply digitising existing inefficiencies.

A critical factor in successful change management is employee ownership. Engaging staff in the readiness phase fosters a culture of innovation, leading to sustained efficiency gains and better patient outcomes. The Smart Co approach doesn’t just introduce new processes – it transforms mindsets, using actionable data and insights to drive continuous improvement beyond initial technology implementation.

The Evidence Behind Strategic Digital Transformation

Data confirms the impact of effective digital adoption. Among acute providers who launched EHRs, those in the top decile of digital maturity in 2017 saw a 13.4% reduction in per spell costs for admitted patients by FY 2019/20 compared to their peers.

When executed strategically, digital transformation can:
• Reduce the burden on healthcare staff
• Empower patients with access to information and services
• Guarantee seamless, secure health data accessibility
• Improve clinical safety and patient care
• Elevate overall productivity across healthcare systems

Readiness and Optimisation: The Keys to Success

Too often, organisations focus heavily on delivery and go-live, but true transformation lies in readiness and optimisation. Engaging employees in the readiness phase inspires organisations to achieve envisioned change, fostering continuous improvement and further enhancing efficiency.

The journey to a streamlined, high-performing healthcare system is more than an IT deployment – it requires strategic engagement, proactive leadership and a commitment to long-term success.

About Jill

With over 30 years of leadership experience across the NHS and private sector, Jill brings deep expertise in digital transformation, complex programme delivery and people-first change. She’s passionate about using technology as an enabler to drive better health outcomes and operational efficiency.

About SmartCo Future Health

SmartCo Future Health is an award-winning consultancy shaping the future of healthcare. We bring a best-in-class team and future-focused approach; empowering clients, programmes and partners. We are a people first business, prioritising employee well-being, flexible working and equal opportunities for all.

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