A Model for the Implementation of Lean Improvements in Healthcare Environments as Applied in a Primary Care Center

Oscar Morell-Santandreu, Cristina Santandreu-Mascarell and Julio J. Garcia-Sabater
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Oscar Morell-Santandreu: Universitat Politècnica of València (UPV), 46730 Grau de Gandia, Valencia, Spain
Cristina Santandreu-Mascarell: IGIC, DOE, Universitat Politècnica of València (UPV), 46730 Grau de Gandia, Valencia, Spain
Julio J. Garcia-Sabater: ROGLE, DOE, Universitat Politècnica of València (UPV), 46022 Valencia, Valencia, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-30

Abstract: Companies operate in a competitive and changing environment requiring increasingly effective and efficient management strategies. Lean is a proven philosophy in the industrial sector having helped companies to adapt to rapid market changes; to economic, technical, and social complexities; and to customer needs. For this reason, companies in the service sector are adopting Lean to improve their service management and to achieve economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This paper presents a model which uses Lean tools to facilitate the introduction of Lean in the management of primary care centers. The results show the implementation of Lean improved primary care center management, achieved stated objectives, and demonstrated faster adaptation to environmental needs and changes. The Lean philosophy developed and applied in the primary care center proved useful at a professional level facilitating developmental changes and prompting lasting improvements by developing a sustainable work culture.

Keywords: lean philosophy; healthcare; continuous improvement; lean healthcare; value stream mapping; Covid-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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