Lean Healthcare Tools for Processes Evaluation: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Quality Improvement Science
• Operations Management

Background:

• Healthcare organizations increasingly adopt lean methodologies for continuous process improvement.
• Understanding the prevalent lean tools and their impact in healthcare is crucial for effective implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative literature review identifying the most utilized lean tools in the health sector.
• To analyze the primary outcomes and benefits derived from applying these lean tools in healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• An integrative literature review was performed across five databases.
• Searches used the descriptor "quality improvement" and keyword "Lean Healthcare".
• 33 complete articles were selected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• The most frequently used lean tools identified were DMAIC, VSM, SIPOC, Ishikawa Diagram, and 5S.
• Interventions focused on waste reduction led to significant decreases in processing times, waiting times, cycle times, and overall costs.
• Notable improvements included reduced workload and an increased number of calls handled efficiently.

Conclusions:

• This review identifies key lean tools applicable to healthcare for achieving superior process outcomes.
• Findings support healthcare managers in selecting optimal lean strategies for continuous improvement in hospitals and services.
• Emerging trends indicate a growing interest in the Lean Six Sigma healthcare approach.