Lean healthcare: scale, scope and sustainability.
Int J Health Care Qual Assur
; 31(7): 684-696, 2018 Aug 13.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30354875
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Lean healthcare is highlighted in the literature as an approach to quality improvement and operational efficiency. The purpose of this paper is to study how Lean healthcare has been implemented by analyzing empirical outcomes. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH:
The authors used a literature review as the primary research method, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses process. Peer-reviewed journals were analyzed - searching for Lean healthcare implementation, tools used, wastes addressed, outcomes and sustainability.FINDINGS:
Evidence suggests that Lean can improve healthcare operational effectiveness. However, empirical studies show implementation is still highly localized with small successes. Most transformations are focused on implementing one or two Lean tools that primarily target patient waiting times and there is minimal evidence about sustainability. Establishing clear definitions for healthcare-related Lean terminology may improve practice, especially episodic care and service quality. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This work provides a Lean healthcare case review. The research makes a significant contribution to Lean healthcare by increasing understanding (scale, scope and sustainability). From a theory building perspective, the authors suggest that barriers to adoption include a common healthcare-specific Lean terminology, and a need to expand implementation beyond small successes. This understanding will help identify key areas for further research in Lean healthcare management.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Qualidade da Assistência à Saúde
/
Gestão da Qualidade Total
/
Melhoria de Qualidade
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Int J Health Care Qual Assur
Assunto da revista:
PESQUISA EM SERVICOS DE SAUDE
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos