A methodology that focuses on improving healthcare delivery through the adoption of lean principles, which include eliminating waste, enhancing value for patients, improving patient flow, reducing waiting time, increasing efficiency, enhancing quality and safety, empowering employees, and promoting continuous improvement ( Lawal et al., 2014 ).
Published in Chapter:
Optimizing Patient Flow in Emergency Care Units and Lean Healthcare
Copyright: © 2023
|Pages: 19
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-0458-7.ch007
Abstract
The healthcare industry faces challenges in delivering high-quality care with limited resources. Inefficiencies like long waiting times and excessive staff workload contribute to patient dissatisfaction. Lean methodology, specifically Lean Healthcare, offers improvement opportunities. However, barriers to implementation exist, including resistance from healthcare practitioners. This chapter proposes solutions for implementing Lean principles in healthcare. It suggests adapting vocabulary and symbols for a patient-centered approach, grouping patients into “patient pathways” for process efficiency, addressing employee feedback, collecting process data for evidence-based decision-making, and maximizing human resources. Clear communication, employee motivation, and ongoing improvement efforts are crucial. Implementing Lean effectively improves efficiency, patient satisfaction, and healthcare quality.