Applications of LEAN in Healthcare
LEAN management principles have been used effectively in manufacturing companies for decades, particularly in Japan.
Lean is basically about getting the right things to the right place, at the right time, in the right quantities, while minimizing waste and being flexible and open to change. Identifying value-added and non-value-added steps in every process is the beginning of the journey toward lean operations.
In order for lean principles to effectively function, leaders must first work to create an organizational culture that is receptive to lean thinking. The biggest mistake made by companies considering the use of lean manufacturing is to jump into the water without a strategy in place. Without a plan, along with a strong understanding of lean and the commitment needed for rapid cultural change, most lean initiatives will stumble during the early stages and may fail completely.
Although health care differs in many ways from manufacturing, there are also surprising similarities: Whether building a car or providing health care for a patient, workers must rely on multiple, complex processes to accomplish their tasks and provide value to the customer or patient. Waste — of money, time, supplies, or reputation- decreases value.
So, where does LEAN apply in healthcare?
1. Emergency Departments: Improving Flow, Reducing Turn Around Times, Standardization of processes, Materials Management and Segmenting patient cohorts according to acuity.
2. Operating Rooms: Increasing Utilization, Reducing turnaround times.
3. Laboratories: Reducing Errors and turnaround times.
4. Outpatient Cancer Treatment: Increasing Capacity, Reducing Patient Wait times.
5. Pharmacies: Improving Service Quality, Responses and Reducing Errors.
Undertaking a LEAN transformation and knowing where to apply it effectively is highly significant for keeping pace in this complex healthcare environment.
