Case Study: Cathay General Hospital saves lives and cuts costs with Minitab Statistical Software

The Heart of the Matter Hospital’s Improved Diagnostic Process Saves Lives and Money

Cathay General Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan, worked with Minitab to improve its emergency angioplasty process for patients suffering from acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The hospital’s challenge was to reduce door-to-balloon (D2B) time so patients could receive treatment within the recommended 90-minute window and to make better use of medical resources.

Using Minitab Statistical Software, the hospital team validated its measurement system with a Gage R&R study, analyzed D2B data, applied a Box-Cox transformation, and used I-MR control charts and capability analysis to identify process bottlenecks. After implementing workflow changes such as direct ECG testing, automatic treatment sheet printing, STEMI medication packs, faster cath lab notification, and prepacked equipment, Cathay General Hospital reduced average D2B time from 139.2 to 57.9 minutes, improved the process by 58.4%, shortened average hospital stay by three days, and saved $4.4 million in medical resources.

Cathay General Hospital