Application of Lean Management in Public Sector Organisations

Abstract

Although the lean concept emerged from the manufacturing industry, its application has been utilized in several industries. However, over the years, the healthcare sector has seen an exceeding increase in lean tools application because it is seen as a response to escalating healthcare costs and underwhelming patient safety measures. Nonetheless, its implementation and application in the health sector in Europe have not been fully documented in the literature, thus, this study underscores the application of lean management in the health sector among European countries. The study is based on content analysis and descriptive assessment of articles published concerning the application and implementation of lean in health care sectors across Europe from 2010 to 2022. The findings reveal that the application of lean in the healthcare sector has several benefits (reducing overcrowding in hospitals, reducing waiting time, reduction of cost and constant improvement of resources use in hospitals and reduction of waste) and some notable shortfalls (staff at hospitals were not familiar with lean tools and stressful implementation). However, a holistic approach to process and constant improvement and management engagement could go a long way to increase its effectiveness and efficiency. Thus, in addition to outlining future areas of research in lean healthcare, this study gives a summary of findings that are pertinent to healthcare stakeholders interested in lean implementation.