Improving Healthcare Quality Through Lean Management: Best Practices In Hospital Operation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47747/icbem.v3i1.3279Keywords:
Healthcare Quality, Lean Management, Hospital OperationAbstract
Transforming healthcare quality requires a systematic approach to optimizing hospital operational efficiency amidst resource constraints and increasing patient expectations. The global healthcare industry currently faces significant challenges in balancing service quality improvement with optimal operational efficiency. This study aims to identify and analyze optimal lean management implementation practices to improve hospital operational quality through a comprehensive, structured, systematic literature review employing rigorous methodological standards. The research methodology uses the PRISMA protocol with an in-depth analysis of five high-quality articles from 2020-2024 sourced from leading academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The article selection process comprised three comprehensive stages: title screening, abstract evaluation, and full-text analysis, to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly applied to ensure the quality of the articles analyzed. The results show that the implementation of lean instruments such as value stream mapping, kaizen, and 5S resulted in significant multidimensional improvements in various aspects of hospital operations. Waiting time reductions reached 30-50%, patient satisfaction amplification by 15-25%, operational cost reductions by up to 80%, and process cycle duration reductions by up to 60%. Determining factors for success include consistent transformational leadership, comprehensive and ongoing staff education, the establishment of a culture of continuous improvement, and a holistic, participatory approach involving all levels of the organization from management to operational staff. Key identified barriers included resistance to organizational change and workload intensification, which required specific mitigation strategies. The study concluded that lean management is an effective strategy in transforming the healthcare ecosystem when implemented through a systematic approach that simultaneously integrates technical, managerial, and organizational dimensions to achieve sustainable quality improvement and long-term impact on hospital performance.
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